Danny Willett went from dinner with the genteel Green Jackets to a mad house party with “200 drunk, screaming Northerners” after his “surreal” victory at the Masters.
But the journey is just beginning for England’s new Major champion and No 1.
As the champion, Yorkshireman Willett followed Augusta National tradition by joining the members and their wives for dinner in the Southern-style wooden clubhouse.
Then he arrived at his management company’s rented house – where a huge gazebo was set up in the garden - to be met with the chant, “Walking in a Willett Wonderland”.
Mayhem followed.
“After the jacket presentation in the Butler Cabin, they take the champion in there and meet all the members who have helped run the event and their wives,” he said. “The chairman, Mr Payne, made a nice speech - it is fantastic the tradition that is in and around Augusta.
“After two hours of interviews, it was a long, tiring day obviously, then got back here at 11 o’clock at night to 200 drunk, screaming Northerners, which was awesome.
“There were a lot of close friends I have seen all week.
"You come here for breakfast and they are here saying: ‘Play well today’. But I guess at the beginning of the week none of us really thought that on Sunday night we would all be getting drunk together with the Green Jacket on.
"It was mental, just awesome.”
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, actor James Nesbitt and ex-England football captain Alan Shearer were among the guests – and the police were called after complaints about the noise!
Camus cognac was his tipple of choice.
He posed for selfies with everyone and joined in the singing after becoming Britain’s first Green Jacket winner for 20 years.
“I got just a couple of hours sleep – it was adrenaline really,” he said, back at the scene of the crime on Monday lunchtime.
“We left here about 4.30-5am and we got back to the house and we were just giggling. Not really drinking or anything – just laughing about what had happened. It was all very surreal.
“I went for a run this morning at about 9am. I had a lot of adrenaline and stuff. Just decided to go running for 20 minutes on my own with my own thoughts.”
It was Willett’s first victory on American soil – but not his first visit.
He went to Jacksonville State University in nearby Alabama as a 17-year-old, on his way to becoming amateur world No 1 before turning pro in 2008.
His coach there, James Hobb, said: “His daddy (Church of England vicar Steve) wanted him in a small town, away from any bad stuff! He has a confidence that would never go away. He thought he could play against anyone.”
He proved that with his nerveless bogey-free round of 67 to win the Green Jacket – and £1.25m.
His appearance fees will now climb and his manager Chubby Chandler is in the process of renegotiating an equipment deal which is expiring at the end of the season.
The price, as you'd imagine, has just gone up.
“What does this mean to his career? A lot of cash!” Chandler laughed.
“You know that you are going to be alright and this win will set him up for life. But he won’t be distracted. He knows just exactly what he’s trying to do.
“Winning the Masters is the start of the journey, not the end of the journey. I would not be surprised now that he knows exactly how many Majors Rory has won and he will want to get up there and past Rory’s tally.”
Willett, who will take membership of the PGA Tour next year to play more US events, said: “I always look at it not for the money but for the world ranking points.
"The Masters was worth a lot of money but to me it’s not the money but the 100 ranking points which is much bigger and can take me closer to what I want be.
“So, no, I won't be compromised by cash.
"This has got me that bit closer to the lads at the top, but I’m still six points away and that is effectively three Majors, so it’s massive. It’s going to take some brilliant results to claw it back but we are trending in the right direction at least.”
Willett will now take a month off to be with his new family before returning to action at The Players Championship in Florida on May 12.
He suffered back problems earlier in his career and still goes to London every month to see a specialist for treatment.
“He’s got as great a work ethic as anyone here this week,” Chandler said. “Danny can become one of the greats of his time, and I would not be surprised if he does. He can to No.1 in the world, without any doubt, and I think he can win another Major this year.
"The one thing about him is that his game is suited to all the courses. He will be up there with the Big Three, if he’s not already. He’s is that good.
"It would be nice to have one of those European — Rory is European but lives in West Palm [in Florida], whereas Danny lives in Sheffield. He lives his life unbelievably well, and he deserves everything he gets because he is meant to be a good player.”
Sir Nick Faldo, the only previous English winner here, said: “I think it is cool. It is great.
"He has a confident game. He plays a bomb fade, he has great self belief. And he is a great putter. This lights up his career.
“And I know what we will serve for the Champions Dinner next year — roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.”
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