Who Won the 2016 Masters Golf Tournament?

By Sarah Miller · July 28, 2040

Danny Willett won the 2016 Masters golf tournament. The English golfer claimed his first major championship at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2016, finishing three strokes ahead of runners-up Jordan Spieth and Lee Westwood. Willett's victory came after a dramatic final round collapse by defending champion Spieth, making it one of the most memorable finishes in Masters history.

The 2016 Masters: A Breakdown of Danny Willett’s Historic Win

The 2016 Masters Tournament was the 80th edition of the prestigious event held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. After four rounds of elite competition, England’s Danny Willett emerged as the champion with a final score of -5 under par (283), securing his maiden major title in stunning fashion.

Key Highlights from the Final Round

Danny Willett shot a final-round 67 (-5), the lowest round of the day.
Jordan Spieth, leading by five strokes entering Sunday, suffered a catastrophic back nine, including a quadruple-bogey on the 12th hole.
Willett became the first Englishman to win the Masters since Nick Faldo in 1996.
He was the first player born in the 1980s to win a men’s major championship.
The victory propelled Willett from 10th to 6th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Final Leaderboard and Performance Analysis

Player	Nation	R1	R2	R3	R4	Total	To Par	Prize ($)
Danny Willett	England	74	68	72	67	283	-5	1,800,000
Jordan Spieth	USA	70	63	66	70	289	+1	1,080,000
Lee Westwood	England	70	72	73	74	289	+1	684,000
Rickie Fowler	USA	72	74	72	72	290	+2	468,000
Charl Schwartzel	South Africa	72	70	75	74	291	+3	360,000

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that consistency and composure under pressure defined the 2016 Masters outcome. While Spieth dominated the first three rounds with scores of 70-63-66, his final round 70 (+4) included a disastrous 7 on the par-3 12th. In contrast, Willett improved each weekend round, peaking with a 67 on Sunday. His bogey-free final round capitalized on others’ mistakes, showcasing mental toughness and precision under ideal scoring conditions.

How the 2016 Masters Unfolded

The narrative of the 2016 Masters is inseparable from Jordan Spieth’s near-repeat of his 2015 triumph. Entering Sunday with a commanding five-stroke lead, Spieth looked poised to cement his legacy. However, a series of errors on the back nine—particularly the quadruple-bogey on the 12th after two balls into the water—shifted momentum entirely.

Turning Points in the Tournament

Friday Brilliance: Spieth shot a course-record-tying 63, matching Raymond Floyd (1976) and Greg Norman (1996).
Saturday Control: Spieth added a 66 to extend his lead, appearing unstoppable.
Sunday Collapse: A front-nine 33 gave way to a back-nine 37, highlighted by the meltdown at Amen Corner.
Willett’s Surge: Starting the day four shots back, Willett birdied two of his last four holes to seal victory.

Historical Significance of Willett’s Victory

Danny Willett’s 2016 Masters win was more than just a personal breakthrough—it marked a generational shift in golf. As the first European to win the Masters since 1996, and the first Englishman in 20 years, his triumph resonated across the Atlantic. Additionally, Willett was only 28 at the time, symbolizing the rise of a new guard in professional golf.

Milestones Achieved

First male golfer born in the 1980s to win a major.
Ended a 20-year drought for English winners at Augusta.
Won using a traditional blade putter, defying modern trends.
Became a father just weeks after his victory, adding emotional depth to his story.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Masters Golf Tournament

Who won the 2016 Masters golf tournament?

Danny Willett won the 2016 Masters golf tournament. The English professional golfer captured his first major title at Augusta National Golf Club with a final score of -5 under par, finishing three strokes ahead of Jordan Spieth and Lee Westwood.

What caused Jordan Spieth to lose the 2016 Masters?

Jordan Spieth lost the 2016 Masters due to a collapse on the back nine during the final round, most notably a quadruple-bogey on the 12th hole. After holding a five-shot lead, Spieth hit two balls into the water, leading to a score of 7 on the par-3 hole, which dramatically shifted the tournament’s momentum.

What was Danny Willett’s final round score in the 2016 Masters?

Danny Willett shot a final round 67 (-5) in the 2016 Masters. It was the best round of the day and included five birdies and no bogeys, allowing him to capitalize on Jordan Spieth’s struggles and secure the green jacket.

Where was the 2016 Masters held?

The 2016 Masters was held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA. This private club has hosted the Masters Tournament annually since 1934, except during World War II.

How much did Danny Willett earn for winning the 2016 Masters?

Danny Willett earned $1,800,000 for winning the 2016 Masters Tournament. The total purse was $10 million, with prize money distributed down to 50th place and ties.