Willett hopes home support will help at Wentworth

2:48 PM ET

Masters champion Danny Willett wants to experience the same support which roared Rory McIlroy to a home victory last week after making a flawless start to the BMW PGA Championship.

In his first round in England since winning his maiden major title at Augusta, Willett carded six birdies and no bogeys in an opening 66 at Wentworth to finish a shot behind Y.E. Yang, Joost Luiten and Scott Hend.

The 28-year-old from Sheffield experienced at first hand the backing McIlroy received in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, playing alongside the four-time major winner in the final round.

Editor’s PicksHend, Yang look to join Wentworth’s surprise winners

The BMW PGA Championship knows how to throw out an unexpected champion or two – could 2016’s first-round leaders Scott Hend or Y.E. Yang add to that list?

And although he slipped to a tie for 23rd after a closing 77, Willett would like the English crowds to replicate the atmosphere which helped McIlroy claim his first win of the year at The K Club.

“The reception on the first tee was amazing,” said Willett, whose best finish at Wentworth saw him fifth on his debut in 2010, when he led after an opening 65.

“Last week in Ireland was fantastic, but I had a little bit more support out there being a home boy in England. We got a great reception all the way around.

“It’s always nice to come back and play in front of the home crowds. It helped Rory last week coming down the stretch and hopefully it can do the same for one of the English lads this …

continue reading in source espn.go.com