WILLETT'S BACK ON TRACK

Augusta hero of 2016 feeling so good to be pain-free again

- Neil McLeman

FORMER Masters champion Danny Willett insists there is “life in the old dog yet” now that he can play pain-free.

And the 2016 winner wants to be back near his best when he returns to Augusta to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his win.

The former world No.9 is now down at No.384 after shoulder surgery in September 2023.

The Yorkshireman, 37, admits he should have gone under the knife three years earlier.

Willett carded a closing 73 to finish on four over par at the scene of his greatest triumph.

As Jordan Spieth collapsed, he kept his nerve with a superb 67 to become Britain’s first winner here since Sir Nick Faldo in 1996. But Willett’s career has been dogged by injuries from that moment.

Augusta, though, is still special for Willett, who made the cut on his return here last year with a stunning opening 68.

He said: “I want to be back here next year better. Health-wise I am good — my body has been good.