Two-time PDC world finalist and World Cup of Darts winner Simon Whitlock is now witnessing his son Mason’s meteoric rise. Whitlock became one of the premier names on the PDC circuit after rejoining its cohort in 2009. He built on his BDO final run to pencil in a showpiece date with Phil Taylor in 2010, and in 2012, he took home his sole major title on the Pro Tour, besting Wes Newton to win the European Championship.
While The Wizard’s days at the summit have slowly faded, and he has since lost his Tour Card, he partnered with Damon Heta to win the World Cup for Australia three years ago, and once again graces the fan-favorite tournament in Frankfurt in 2025. However, there could be another prominent figure emerging from Down Under in the near future, with the 56-year-old’s son making waves. Mason, nicknamed The Apprentice, has starred on the PDC’s Development Tour after making a name for himself on the MODUS Super Series, where he struck perfection with a nine-dart finish last year and was close to chucking in two during the same session.
“It’s been quite quick, I’d say,” Whitlock admitted when asked about his son’s development at the launch of the MODUS Super Series 24/7 on Pluto TV. “It’s been pretty good. We practice together and train together. He’s done some really good things on the MODUS Super Series so far. Development Tour, he’s done really well, and he’s got some good stuff ahead of him.
“I’ve been trying to guide him in the right direction, trying to correct things he’s doing wrong. Just supporting him as much as I can. I mean, he’s only been over with me [in the UK] for the last five to six years,” admitted The Wizard. “But ever since he’s been over, he’s wanted to play darts, and I’ve just tried to guide him.”
Whitlock’s shock at his son’s progression is mirrored by The Apprentice, who, after only picking up darts during the pandemic, admits his understanding of the game has been bolstered by his superstar father.
“I’m really surprised at how quick I’ve picked up the game,” Mason stated. “But I think that just comes from watching the game, listening to dad, and understanding what I have to do and what I don’t.
“So I think it’s surprising how well I’ve done in the last few years, but there’s definitely room for improvement, and that’ll come as well. I want to win the World Youths this year. I want to win a MODUS Super Series this year. And I want to get my Tour Card next year. That’s a lot of work, I know, but I’m ready. I know I can do it.”
While some children quake in the shadows of their successful sporting parents, Mason revealed that the early-day perils of his father’s legacy playing on his mind have since subsided.
“A couple of years ago, it did play on my mind, especially the fear that I won’t live up to that name, but dad reassured me. I’m my own person,” he added. “I like when people play good against me, not knowing me, just because of the last name. They’ll play really well, which I respect.
“But it just makes me want to play better, and makes me want to put more hours on the board. So, the more people play good against me because of who my dad is, the more I want to put hours on the board. So, keep going, and it’ll keep firing me up.”
