What makes Danny Willett’s story one of modern golf’s most memorable? The Sheffield-born golfer became the first Englishman to win the Masters Tournament in 20 years when he claimed the 2016 green jacket at Augusta National, finishing three strokes ahead of Jordan Spieth.
This Danny Willett Biography covers his age, hometown, family, wife, children, parents and major golf achievements as of 2026.
Danny Willett Biography: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Danny Robert John Willett |
| Date of birth | October 3, 1987 |
| Age in 2026 | 38 until October 2, 2026; turns 39 on October 3, 2026 |
| Birthplace | Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Turned professional | 2008 |
| Wife | Nicole Willett |
| Children | Two |
| Major championship wins | 1, the 2016 Masters Tournament |
Danny Willett Age and Hometown
Danny Willett was born on October 3, 1987, in Sheffield, England. In 2026, he is 38 years old for most of the year and celebrates his 39th birthday in October. Although Sheffield is his birthplace, Willett’s identity is also closely associated with South Yorkshire and the Rotherham area, where his family lived during his childhood.
His route to elite golf was far from conventional. Willett grew up in a sporting household, developed his game in England and later moved to the United States to play college golf at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. His time in American college golf helped sharpen the competitive skills that would eventually take him to the Ryder Cup and the Masters winner’s circle.
Danny Willett Parents and Family Background
Danny Willett is the youngest of four sons. His father, Rev. Steve Willett, is a Church of England vicar, while his mother, Elisabeth Willett, is Swedish. The English-Swedish family background has often been noted in profiles of the Masters champion.
Willett has three brothers, including Matt Willett, who played professional basketball, and Peter Willett, who has caddied for Danny during parts of his professional career. The family’s sporting and competitive environment played an important role in shaping Willett’s approach to golf.
Danny Willett Wife and Children
Danny Willett is married to Nicole Willett. The couple married in 2013 and have two children. Their first child, a son named Zachariah, was born in 2016, only days before Willett’s career-defining Masters victory at Augusta National.
Willett has generally kept his family life private, but he has regularly acknowledged the importance of Nicole and their children throughout the highs and challenges of his golf career. He withdrew from the 2019 Masters Tournament to be with his family following the birth of their second child.
Golf Career and 2016 Masters Victory
Danny Willett turned professional in 2008 after an impressive amateur career that included winning the English Amateur Championship in 2007 and representing Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup.
His breakthrough on the DP World Tour, then called the European Tour, came at the 2012 BMW International Open. Willett later established himself as one of Europe’s leading players with victories at high-profile events such as the Nedbank Golf Challenge, Omega Dubai Desert Classic, BMW PGA Championship and DP World Tour Championship.
The defining moment of the Danny Willett biography came on April 10, 2016. He began the final round of the Masters Tournament three shots behind defending champion Jordan Spieth. Willett produced a superb final-round 67 and finished at 5-under-par 283. Spieth’s triple bogey at the par-3 12th opened the door, but Willett still had to complete a composed back nine to win by three strokes.
That victory made Willett the first English Masters champion since Sir Nick Faldo in 1996. It also lifted him inside the world’s top 10, with his career-best Official World Golf Ranking reaching No. 9 in 2016.
Ryder Cup and Professional Achievements
Willett represented Europe in the Ryder Cup in 2016 at Hazeltine and again in 2021 at Whistling Straits. His record includes major victories on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour schedules, with the 2016 Masters remaining his only major championship title.
His career has also included difficult periods, including injury concerns and shoulder surgery in 2023. However, his ability to return to elite competition reflects the resilience that has defined much of his professional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Danny Willett
How old is Danny Willett in 2026?
Danny Willett is 38 for most of 2026 and turns 39 on October 3, 2026.
Where is Danny Willett from?
Danny Willett is from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.
Who is Danny Willett’s wife?
Danny Willett’s wife is Nicole Willett. They married in 2013.
How many children does Danny Willett have?
Danny Willett and his wife Nicole have two children.
Who are Danny Willett’s parents?
His parents are Rev. Steve Willett and Elisabeth Willett. His father is an Anglican vicar, and his mother is Swedish.
Did Danny Willett win the Masters?
Yes. Danny Willett won the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National with a final score of 5-under-par 283.
