Eleven years on from his last appearance at the Open de España, Danny Willett arrives at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid to play in the latest edition of one of the most historic tournaments in Europe. The Englishman, who earned himself a prestigious Green Jacket in 2016, winning the US Masters with a late Sunday charge, is one of the biggest attractions this year in the Spanish capital. This week’s Open de España will welcome no fewer than four former champions of Augusta National; Jon Rahm, Sergio García, Patrick Reed and Willett himself.
Danny’s arrival in the Spanish capital means the Open de España can boast yet another world-class player, with eight DP World Tour title-haul from his 17 years as a professional, including the Omega European Masters, the Dubai Desert Classic and the BMW PGA Championship, the European circuit’s flagship event.
However, his moment of crowning glory came in April of 2016, when he surprised everyone by winning the US Masters. Making the most of Jordan Spieth’s historic back-nine collapse, Willett signed for an impeccable 67 to become the first Englishman to win at Augusta since Nick Faldo did so in 1996.
The last time the 38-year-old competed in the Open de España was in 2014, when the tournament was held at the PGA Catalunya Resort. Since then, a lot has changed, both for the player and the tournament, which has surged in prestige in recent years thanks to the presence of figures such as Jon Rahm and the return to the emblematic Club de Campo, an historical and traditional venue. Now, in 2025, Willett is back and looking for a return to form after a few turbulent injury-plagued seasons.
His presence lends the Open de España 2025 an air of prestige with the four former US Masters champions in its field. The participation of Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia was already reason enough to attract the locals. Now with Danny Willett and Patrick Reed also teeing it up, the tournament will be a must-watch for any golf fan.
The excitement surrounding Willett’s return is by no means fuelled by nostalgia, but by the promise of a rebirth. Could Madrid be the stage for his sporting comeback? Only a week of thrills and spills on the black course at Club de Campo will give us our answer.
