Masters Disappointment for Willett

Danny Willett freely admits that the game hasn't entirely been his friend since his breakthrough major triumph at Augusta last year, but he would have hoped that a return to the Masters may have brought with it a change of fortune. However, despite admirable efforts to recover from two notable disasters, the difficult first hole proved to be his nemesis on Thursday and Friday, costing the 28-year-old Englishman six shots. He ultimately missed the cut by just one.

Making double bogey on the opening day, the Yorkshireman was three-over after two holes of his defence, but fought back brilliantly in the difficult conditions, eventually settling for a more than credible 73 to still feature prominently within the tournament.

Well that was a battle!!! Not the start I had visioned for the last 12 months!! ???????? grinding back nicely.. @TheMasters @TeamISM ????????????????????????

— Danny Willett (@Danny_Willett) April 6, 2017

That treacherous would trouble him spectacularly for a second time on Friday, hitting a shank on route a quadruple bogey eight. He once again showed grit and determination to play the subsequent 17 holes in just a couple over par, but he ultimately came up one shot shy of the eventual cut.

He is the first defending champion since Mike Weir (2004) to not make the last two rounds, which will be a considerable disappointment, but as is the reward for owners of a green jacket, he can return for as many more years as he wishes to put that right in future.

Golf is hard. #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/mOiaScSkYj

— GOLF.com (@golf_com) April 7, 2017