Forgotten Masters Champion Misses Cut, 10 Years After Defeating Jordan Spieth
Ten years after his memorable 2016 triumph at Augusta National, Danny Willett returned to the Masters wearing the Green Jacket and missed the cut by a single shot. The 38-year-old signed for a one-over 73 in the opening round. He finished the day at five over par overall.
Round review
Willett stumbled early, dropping four shots on the front nine. A strong run on the back nine produced three birdies in four holes. A missed birdie chance at the 18th proved decisive as he fell just the wrong side of the cut line.
The performance saw the Forgotten Masters Champion miss the cut in the week marking a decade since his win. He played in an early wave and watched the leaderboard as the cut line settled.
Body and form since 2016
Willett has battled back and shoulder problems since that Sunday in 2016. The wear and tear limited the momentum he might otherwise have enjoyed.
He reflected on the last decade with wry humour and optimism. He said the body has felt better recently and he hopes to add further successes.
Career highlights and ranking
Willett was ranked No. 12 in the world when he seized the Masters title. He later rose into the top 10, reaching No. 9 at his peak. Injuries have since contributed to a slide, and he now sits well outside the top tiers.
His résumé includes victory at Augusta National, the DP World Tour Championship in 2018, and the BMW PGA Championship in 2019. He has eight professional wins overall and titles at venues such as Wentworth and The Old Course.
The 2016 final holes
Willett’s success is often recalled alongside Jordan Spieth’s collapse on the par-three 12th. Spieth hit two balls into Rae’s Creek and made a quadruple bogey. He surrendered a five-shot lead with seven holes to play, a moment etched into Masters history.
That collapse helped create the opportunity, but Willett’s bogey-free Sunday 67 was a major achievement in its own right. He moved through the field while several bigger names faltered.
Legacy at Augusta
A plaque and Willett’s Green Jacket sit near the 18th green. The reminder of that victory is only a short walk from his most recent round.
Filmogaz.com will continue to cover developments at Augusta National. For Willett, ten years on, the memory of defeating Jordan Spieth still matters. The label of a Forgotten Masters Champion will not erase his place in major championship history.
