WILLETT'S OFF TO A STORMER

Dan shoulders pressure

- Neil McLeman

DANNY WILLETT started his first round after shoulder surgery fearing he would look a “fool” at The Masters – and finished near the top of the leaderboard.

The 2016 champion, who went under the knife in September, defied doctors’ orders to make his return here to shoot an “unexpected” 68.

The world No.260 trailed clubhouse leader Bryson DeChambeau, right, by three shots after the LIV Golf star carded a sensational 65.

Overnight rain delayed the start by two-and-a-half hours but the thunderstorms that had been forecasted skirted around Augusta National. Gusting 20mph winds were the biggest obstacle.

And Yorkshire’s Willett showed the grit that enabled him get back to action a year ahead of schedule after six weeks in a cast before extensive rehab.