Record Breaking English Participation in Masters Field

Post by Golf Writer Kieran Clark

With Danny Willett set to become the first Englishman to defend the Masters in two decades, it's only fitting that the Yorkshireman will be joined next week by a record-breaking number of compatriots at Augusta National. 

The 29-year-old's success last year was the bold headline in what has been a quiet renaissance for English golf, which has only become more apparent during the subsequent 12 months. Further evidence of that fact is clearly illustrated within the field of the season's first major, as 11 of the expected 94 participants are representing the St. George's Cross in Georgia.

Contrast that with the situation at the turn of the century, when just three Englishman were invitees at the iconic tournament. That was the year of three-time champion Sir Nick Faldo, Lee Westwood (who makes his 18th appearance this time) and then-amateur Graeme Storm. There were just as many Scots driving down Magnolia Lane that year.

Times have changed, however, with an influx of impressive young talent securing England as the most prolific nation in attendance behind the United States in 2017. Willett can enjoy an invitation for the remainder of his life, an honour bestowed upon holders of a green jacket, and he will be joined by the experienced heads of Westwood, Justin Rose and Paul Casey, leading a charge from Matt Fitzpatrick, Andy Sullivan, Chris Wood, Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood, not to mention 36-year-old Ross Fisher, whose performance at the WGC Match Play was enough to secure his entry. Amateur champion Scott Gregory finalises a squad that could complete a football team.

There are 94 confirmed entrants for @TheMasters, including a record-breaking 11 Englishmen. 15 Brits in total - that's 16% of the field.

— Golf World (@GolfWorld1) March 28, 2017

There will be understandable and merited pride for the English Golf Union and local authorities upon seeing this large group, many of whom were developed in that system. With the majority still in their 20s, it's consequently not unrealistic to imagine that Willett won't be the only one to make the major breakthrough over the next decade or so. 

Elsewhere, Russell Knox and 1988 champion Sandy Lyle will fly the flag for Scotland, while 1991 winner Ian Woosnam is the sole representative of Wales, back in the field having renegaded on a decision to bow out of the tournament last year. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy - seeking to complete the career Grand Slam - completes the United Kingdom contingent.

Impressive numbers, certainly. 2016 produced the first winner from the UK this century, and, statistically at least, there's a fair chance that it could happen again.