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Willett fears losing green jacket

Dublin - Reigning Augusta National champion Danny Willett joked about his fears of losing the famed green jacket, while he's also revealed the 'nightmares' he has been enduring over the number of commemorative Masters flags he has been asked to autograph.

The Englishman, who is contesting this week's Irish Open at the K. Club, is concerned he may leave the most sought after item of apparel in all of golf behind in a hotel room and never see it again.

It would then mean a nervous phone call to Masters chairman Billy Payne in seeking a replacement.

"I've not brought it this week as I'll only take it when there's commitments that you got to do with it," said Willett.

"It's one of them where you don't want to take it and forget it in the hotel room or something like that. That wouldn't be great. I would not like to email Chairman Payne asking can I have another one.

"No, it's only when there's commitments. I'll take it to Wentworth next week as we've got a few things to do there and obviously take it to all the majors just to wear around in the clubhouse (laughter)."

New Masters champions are permitted to wear their green jacket anywhere in the world for 12 months and thereafter only on the Augusta National premises.

However while Willett fears losing his green jacket, he says he's having nightmares at the thought of continuing to sign so many commemorative Masters flags.

Willett could not put a figure on the number of flags, but it surely runs into many hundreds.

"I have nightmares about signing those yellow flags," he said.

"I just don't know how many I've signed but the number is way up there. There's lot charities and stuff and a lot of people that I know and stuff that want flags signed.

"It's funny because it never seems to be just one flag that they say they will bring around because they have many they want signed."

Willett is set to play the opening rounds of the Irish Open in the company of Masters runner-up Lee Westwood and Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello.

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