Meet Danny Willett: The Masters Winner Behind Jordan Spieth’s Infamous 2016 Meltdown

Danny Willett’s rise to fame in the world of golf is closely tied to the 2016 Masters, where he claimed victory after Jordan Spieth’s dramatic collapse. Willett, an English golfer born on October 3, 1987, enjoyed a stellar amateur career, highlighted by winning the 2007 English Amateur Championship and representing Great Britain in the Walker Cup.

His transition to the professional ranks saw modest success until that defining moment in 2016. Willett capitalized on Spieth’s falter at the Golden Bell, which allowed him to pull ahead and win his first, and so far only, major championship. This victory remains etched in golf history as a defining moment for both players—Willett’s breakthrough and Spieth’s heartbreak.

Now, at 37, Willett is back on the Masters stage, seeking to recapture the magic of that 2016 win. Despite shoulder surgery, he has returned to competitive form far sooner than expected and is eyeing a second green jacket.

Off the course, Willett is a family man, supported by his wife, Nicole, and their two sons. His father, Steve, also plays a crucial role as his sports psychologist. With his family by his side, Willett aims to add another chapter to his Masters legacy.