Danny Willett is the sporting man of the moment and the toast of his home city after a sensational victory at the Masters in Augusta.
The 28-year-old, born and raised in Hackenthorpe although now living in Worksop, looks set to receive a civic reception from Sheffield City Council.
That comes after he claimed a first Major success, carding a superb final-round 67 to leave the rest trailing following Jordan Spieth’s implosion around the notorious Amen Corner.
Rumour has it Willett may even pitch up at the Crucible for the third year in succession, while he spends time back in the UK with wife Nicole and new-born son Zachariah.
His home course is known to a good few of those working at the Crucible, who have got out to Rotherham Golf Club at Thrybergh Park on mornings off for some fresh air during the tournament over the years.
Last year Willett, a keen fan of a sport often compared to golf for the mental demands it makes, played a frame with Mark Allen.
And on that occasion he said: “Coming from Sheffield, I know what a massive hype there always is in the city when the tournament is on. I came to the Crucible for the first time in 2014 – I had always wanted to go but since I have been playing golf it has always clashed with our events. We’re often in China, thousands of miles away where I can’t get back for it.
“Obviously the feel of it is very different to golf events. I’ve been to the theatre at the Crucible and it’s a very cosy and intimate atmosphere. I know it only holds a thousand or so people and it’s a low ceiling.
“What I really noticed was the difference between the silence when the players are at the table, then the noise when a long pot goes in and the place erupts with applause. It’s fantastic. On TV some of the shots look pretty simple, but when you are so close to the table it gives a different perspective and makes you realise how good the guys are.
“Sheffield is a great sporting city, it always has been, there are some great local athletes including Jessica Ennis, Michael Vaughan and Kell Brook. It’s just nice to stage the World Championship here because it’s such a big sporting event. It’s massive for the people here and we want to hold on to it. Anyone who has ever played snooker wants to play at the Crucible.
“I watch snooker on TV whenever I can. Our schedule is similar to that of snooker players, we spend a lot of time travelling, especially in Asia. But whenever I’m at home there is sport on TV, which my wife Nicole doesn’t appreciate too much!
“Ronnie O’Sullivan is my favourite player. It’s just the way he works his way around the table with such speed, and makes it look effortless. It’s like watching Roger Federer play tennis, he takes on all the right shots with flawless technique. It’s that level of perfection that makes Ronnie so interesting to watch.”