What Happened to Daniel John Willett?
Danny Willett is an English professional golfer best known for his dramatic victory at the 2016 Masters Tournament. Following this career-defining major win, he experienced a period of fluctuating form and significant injury struggles, including persistent back issues and a major shoulder surgery in 2023. As of April 2026, Willett continues to compete on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, working to regain consistent form after his recent injury setbacks.
Quick Answer
Danny Willett, the 2016 Masters champion, has faced a challenging period since his major victory, marked by injuries and inconsistent play. After undergoing shoulder surgery in late 2023, he made an earlier-than-expected return to competitive golf in April 2024. As of April 2026, Willett is actively competing on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, though he recently withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic in January 2026 due with a hamstring tear and is working to build form, with his current world ranking around 400.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Sheffield, England
Daniel John Willett was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.
Turned Professional
After a successful amateur career, including becoming the world's number one amateur, Willett turned professional.
First European Tour Victory
Willett secured his maiden European Tour win at the BMW International Open, defeating Marcus Fraser in a playoff.
Two European Tour Wins and Runner-Up in Race to Dubai
He won the Nedbank Golf Challenge and the Omega European Masters, finishing the season as runner-up in the Race to Dubai standings.
Won Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Willett continued his strong form by winning the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Won The Masters Tournament
Willett claimed his first major championship, the Masters, with a final-round 67, capitalizing on Jordan Spieth's collapse. This victory propelled him to World No. 9.
Ryder Cup Debut
He made his debut for the European Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine, playing three matches without earning a point.
Struggles with Injuries and Form
Willett experienced a difficult year marked by back and shoulder injuries, leading to a loss of form and a caddie change.
Won DP World Tour Championship, Dubai
He ended a two-year winless drought by capturing the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
Won BMW PGA Championship
Willett secured another significant European Tour title at the BMW PGA Championship.
Won Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
He claimed his eighth European Tour title at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Underwent Shoulder Surgery
A long-standing tear in his left shoulder worsened, requiring surgery that initially had a 12-18 month recovery prognosis.
Returned to Play at The Masters
Willett made an earlier-than-expected return to competitive golf at the Masters Tournament, finishing T45.
Withdrew from Dubai Desert Classic with Hamstring Tear
Willett's injury struggles continued as he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic due to a torn hamstring tendon.
Competed at Texas Children's Houston Open
Willett finished T56 at the Texas Children's Houston Open as part of his 2026 schedule.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Daniel John Willett, born October 3, 1987, rose to international prominence in professional golf with a stellar amateur career, becoming the world's number one amateur in March 2008 before turning professional later that year. His early professional career saw him secure his first European Tour victory at the 2012 BMW International Open, followed by two more wins in 2015 at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and the Omega European Masters, establishing him as a rising star on the European circuit.
The pinnacle of Willett's career arrived in April 2016 at the Masters Tournament. Capitalizing on a dramatic final-round collapse by defending champion Jordan Spieth, Willett shot a bogey-free 67 to claim his first major championship by three strokes, becoming only the second Englishman to win the Masters and the first European in 17 years. This victory propelled him to a career-high ninth in the Official World Golf Ranking. Later that year, he made his Ryder Cup debut, though it was overshadowed by controversy surrounding comments made by his brother.
Following his Masters triumph, Willett entered a challenging period marked by a significant dip in form and persistent injuries. He openly discussed a loss of confidence and a worsening back injury that made him not want to play golf in late 2016 and 2017. He withdrew from the Players Championship in May 2017 due to back problems and ended his 2017 season early due to a rotator cuff injury in his left shoulder.
Despite these setbacks, Willett showed resilience, securing significant victories in subsequent years, including the 2018 DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, and the 2019 BMW PGA Championship. He added an eighth European Tour title at the 2021 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. However, injury woes continued to plague him. In September 2023, a long-standing tear in his left shoulder significantly worsened, requiring surgery that doctors initially predicted would sideline him for 12-18 months.
Defying medical expectations, Willett made a remarkable comeback at the 2024 Masters Tournament, just six months after his shoulder surgery, finishing tied for 45th. He continued to navigate his return to full fitness through 2025, participating in events on both the PGA and DP World Tours. As of early 2026, his injury struggles resurfaced when he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic in January with a hamstring tear. He has since competed in several events in March 2026, including the Puerto Rico Open (T42), Valspar Championship (CUT), and Texas Children's Houston Open (T56), as he prepares for his 12th Masters appearance in April 2026. Willett's current world ranking is approximately 400, and he continues to work with his former coach Mike Walker to regain consistency.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Daniel John Willett made different choices?