WOODHOUSE HAD ‘NO HESITATION’ MISSING EVENT FOR WIFE’S BIRTHDAY

LUKE WOODHOUSE had “no hesitation” missing a European Tour event after the sacrifices his wife has made for his career.

The world No21 pulled out of the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen to celebrate his wife’s 40th birthday, ending a streak of 26 consecutive Euro Tour appearances. 

Woody admitted the decision was an easy one because of the support his partner has shown throughout his years on the PDC circuit. 

Woodhouse revealed the demands of life on tour have meant missing several occasions such as family birthdays and weekends away with friends. 

He said: “She doesn’t ask me for a lot and she’d never normally ask me to miss anything. 

“So, if she asks me to miss something important to her, then of course I’m going to do it. 

“I don’t like missing too many events, but it was my wife’s birthday, so I wasn’t going anywhere. There was no hesitation. 

“I always count myself in a fortunate position because I’m doing this for a living. I can pick and choose what I want to do.  

“I choose to go to a lot of tournaments and miss things. I’ve missed weekends away with friends, golf events — loads of stuff.  

“But at the end of the day, this is to provide for my family and my future.  

“When I’m 50 or 55 and I don’t have to worry about money or a house, then it’ll all be worth it. So I don’t think about it too much.” 

The Worcestershire thrower has reached four PDC finals but is still waiting for his first senior title. 

But Woodhouse insists consistency is more important than short term success and warned rivals to watch out if he finally starts lifting trophies. 

He added: “Look, I’m quite a realist really. I probably take more out of losing than I do out of winning so I always try to take something from everything I do. 

“You’re going to lose more games of darts than you win. I lost in the final but getting to a final, not many people make finals during the year. 

“I say to people all the time when we have banter between the lads.  

“I speak to Callan Rydz and he’s won two ProTours but I’m where I am without winning any titles, so imagine if I start winning stuff. 

“For me it’s all about consistency. I’m around 20th or 21st in the world without winning a title and without a massive deep run in a TV tournament. 

“I’d rather be consistent and stay on this tour for a long time than be a flash in the pan or have a good three or four years and then drop off.  

“So yeah, consistency is everything for me.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.