Who Won the 2016 Masters Golf Tournament?

By Sarah Miller · November 9, 2047

Danny Willett won the 2016 Masters golf tournament, becoming the first Englishman to claim the green jacket since Nick Faldo in 1996. His victory was sealed with a final-round 67 at Augusta National Golf Club, finishing three strokes ahead of runner-up Jordan Spieth.

Overview of the 2016 Masters Tournament

The 2016 Masters Tournament was the 80th edition of the prestigious event, held from April 7 to April 10 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Known for its tradition and elite field, the Masters is one of the four major championships in professional golf.

Key Highlights

Danny Willett claimed his first major title.
Jordan Spieth held a five-shot lead entering the final round but suffered a collapse on the back nine, particularly at the 12th hole.
Willett's closing 67 was the lowest final-round score by a Masters winner since Tiger Woods in 1997.
The win propelled Willett to No. 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Danny Willett’s Winning Performance

At just 28 years old, Danny Willett delivered a composed and precise performance in the final round. Starting the day three shots behind leader Jordan Spieth, Willett capitalized on birdies at the 1st, 2nd, and 8th holes to remain in contention.

Final Round Strategy

Willett avoided major mistakes, recording only one bogey on the 15th hole. His calm demeanor and accurate iron play allowed him to navigate Augusta’s treacherous greens effectively. The turning point came when Spieth triple-bogeyed the 12th hole, opening the door for Willett to take control.

Final Leaderboard and Key Statistics

Player	Country	R1	R2	R3	R4	Total	To Par	Prize ($)
Danny Willett	England	70	71	70	67	278	-10	1,800,000
Jordan Spieth	USA	70	69	73	73	285	-3	1,080,000
Lee Westwood	England	70	72	73	71	286	-2	680,000
Phil Mickelson	USA	73	70	72	72	287	-1	500,000
Justin Rose	England	71	72	72	73	288	E	420,000

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows Willett’s consistency across all four rounds, with no round exceeding 71. His final-round 67 was instrumental in capitalizing on Spieth’s stumble. Notably, Willett gained over 4.5 strokes on the field putting in the final round, highlighting his clutch performance under pressure.

Historical Context and Significance

Danny Willett’s victory marked a significant moment in golf history:

First English winner since Nick Faldo in 1996.
Only the third European to win the Masters in the 21st century.
Won just weeks after becoming a father, dedicating the win to his newborn son.

The 2016 Masters also underscored the unpredictable nature of major championships, where even dominant leads can evaporate quickly under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Masters