2017 Masters: Five Golfers Who Disappointed

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Apr 4, 2017; Augusta, GA, USA; Masters champion Danny Willett putts on the 11th green during the Tuesday practice round at Augusta National GC. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Danny Willett

Few defending Masters champs went under the radar in their defense as Willett. There were reasons for tempered expectations. Recording only four top-10s worldwide since his unlikely win after Jordan Spieth’s collapse will do that.

Still, the world No. 17 was 2-for-2 in made cuts at Augusta before this week. Only eight defending champs missed the cut the year after donning the green jacket.

If it weren’t for the opening hole, Willett wouldn’t have become the ninth. “Tea Olive” is ranked the toughest playing well over a half-stroke over par at 4.63, but it gave Willett trouble more so than anyone. A double- and quadruple bogey offset an otherwise solid performance with three birdies and an eagle.

Willett made three pars and one bogey on No. 1 in 2016.

He missed the cut by one after rounds of 73 and 78. He’ll stick around to place the green jacket on someone else on Sunday.

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