Home

Golf

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

Published 04/11/2024, 1:28 PM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

Augusta National continues to deliver surprises. Even before the first round concludes, numerous uncertainties have already arisen. With the possibility of Tiger Woods withdrawing, patrons are already filled with questions. Moreover, contributing to those questions, there has been discussion surrounding Danny Willet as well.

Following surgery on his left shoulder, expectations were that it would take the 37-year-old 12–18 months to fully recover. However, the golfer has returned to the greens after a six-month hiatus, aiming to secure his next green jacket. Following the 37-year-old’s current stellar display of skills so far in the first round, certain questions arise: Who is Danny Willet exactly, and what is his count of championship titles?

Get to know Danny Willet a bit better

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Born on October 3, 1987, Willet is an English golfer hailing from England. Willet enjoyed a remarkable amateur career, clinching the English Amateur Championship in 2007 and participating in the 2007 Walker Cup at Royal County Down. Furthermore, in March 2008, the British golfer ascended to the top spot in the world as the number-one-ranked amateur.

While having a remarkable amateur career, the British golfer’s professional career comes as a surprise for many. Even though he emerged victorious at the 2016 Masters, during which Jordan Spieth experienced a meltdown at the Golden Bell.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Golf stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Despite holding a significant lead on the back nine, Spieth seemed poised to secure his second consecutive Masters victory. However, circumstances swiftly shifted to favor Willet, enabling him to narrow the gap and ultimately secure the win. Spieth was seen on the ground, feeling sad over his loss, with his hands covering his face. Following that, later Spieth marked that as a “low point” in his golf career, and he mentioned that “it hurt.” It must have! It was his chance to defend his title, and he finished so close!

Surprisingly, this stands as the British golfer’s only major win. However, the pro has now returned to pursue his second green jacket, probably with his family’s support!

What does the family of the golfer look like?

Though not much is known about the British golfer, he and his wife, Nicole Willet, have been frequently seen on the golf course. The golfer is also blessed with two baby boys, who also like to accompany their father on the greens. In 2016, his first child was born just a few days before his victory at the Masters.

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The golfer’s second was born in 2018. Additionally, Willet’s father, Steve, plays a significant role in the golfer’s life as a sports psychologist, a role described by the golfer as invaluable.

The golfer continues to play at the Masters in hopes of securing a second win, 8 years later. Meanwhile, the eagerly awaited first round of the Augusta showdown is currently in progress, and things are looking interesting!

‘Cutie’ Crew Sidelined Dad Brooks Koepka’s Charm To Steal Hearts at His Public Debut

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by:

Dakshinesh Kumar Naman

115Articles

One take at a time

Naman Kumar is a Golf Writer at EssentiallySports. An expert in analytical pieces, he never fails to awe his readers with his niche coverage of big names—like his idol, Phil Mickelson—in the sport. Naman is also adept at predictability pieces, where he explores the immediate future of players, be it through where they’ll play next or whether injuries will cause them to withdraw from an event.
Show More>

Edited by:

Riya Singhal

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT