1. He comes from very humble beginnings.
His parents twice re-mortgaged their home to finance his golf when he was an amateur. Willett hails from the industrial city of Sheffield (the UK’s equivalent of Pittsburg) and is the son of a vicar. His upbringing produced a modest man. “My Dad, as you’d expect, is pretty philosophical,” he says. “And my Mum, being Swedish, is more straightforward and blunt. I’ve had times when I’ve wanted an arm round my shoulder and I’ve been given a kick up the backside instead. Which is how it should be.”
2. Him and his caddie are best mates off the course and professionals on it.
3. He obligingly sends cringe couple selfies when he’s in bed with the mrs.
4. He’s from Yorkshire:
Most Americans assume English people drink tea whilst discussing salacious gossip that has emerged involving some sort of inter-class relationship. This image couldn’t be further from the truth.
England is not a country made up of aristocrats as Downton Abbey suggests. You may also find it hard to believe that men in Britain aren’t all blithering idiots with a speech impediment – thanks Hugh Grant. Danny is just a normal bloke.
Seeing his post-round interview was a breath of fresh air. It was hilarious to hear what some of my American friends thought of his accent. One messaged me asking if I thought Danny sounded like Eddard Stark. I did not. Although I do think the analogy was very apt, here is a man from “The North” coming down to King’s Landing (Augusta) to stake a claim amongst the silk wearing nobles of the golfing world. Which brings me to my next point…Tattoos.
5. Is Danny Willet the first tattooed golfer to win a green jacket?
6. His food choices at next year’s Champions dinner will be very controversial for some.
Can’t wait for the lad to serve chips ‘n’ gravy to the green jacket brigade at Champion’s Dinner next year! pic.twitter.com/6PWWQoAXbi
— #GCW (@gcw) April 10, 2016
7. He’s got a competitive sense of humour.
You might have noticed Danny wore a jumper for the entire round yesterday. That was until he walked onto to 18th green to reveal a shirt with a very telling colour.
8. His brother is hilarious and owned Twitter last night.
Danny Willett’s brother is the real winner today… #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/I2EftKz13l
— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) April 10, 2016
9. He was going to miss the Masters for the birth of his son. Thankfully the little guy played ball and came out early.
Danny Willet was going to miss the Masters for the birth of his child…now he’s leading at Augusta. #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/zK2jNy2m4t
— CLICKON Golf (@CLICKONGolf) April 10, 2016
10. He celebrates with beer, not green smoothies and ice baths.
Cheers everyone!!!! @TheMasters @TeamISM @RyderCupEurope @EuropeanTour @Smartie13 @Nicolewillett88 #greenjacket ⛳️⛳️ pic.twitter.com/v4aBP8KOHo
— Danny Willett (@Danny_Willett) April 11, 2016
11. In fact he celebrates so hard his amnesia was reassuring for “The Secret Tour Pro”
I accidentally messaged Danny Willett last night “congratulations on your win mate, from ……….” Think I’ll be fine he was wrecked! #STP
— Secret Tour Pro (@secrettourpro) April 11, 2016
12. He finally hung up the green jacket at 5 am.
Night night guys!!! @CallawayGolfEU @TeamISM @TheMasters #GreenJacket BOOYA!!! ⛳️⛳️???????????????? pic.twitter.com/75xghCJfPe
— Danny Willett (@Danny_Willett) April 11, 2016