Danny Willett won his first major title on Sunday with victory at the Masters by three shots from Jordan Spieth and Lee Westwood.

Here, are seven fascinating facts about the 28-year-old from Sheffield.

1. He nearly dropped out of the tournament

Willett came close to not even playing in the Masters this year as his wife’s due date for their first child was on Sunday but their son, Zachariah James, was born via C-section a week ahead of the tournament.

2. He enjoys a practice run

Before his debut in the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral’s “Blue Monster” course in March, Willett “played” the course on a simulator at Doncaster Golf Range. He went on to finish joint 12th in the prestigious tournament.

3. Son of a preacher man

Willett’s father is a Church of England vicar — the Reverend Steve Willett, whose parish church is in Sheffield.

4. He’s beaten McIlroy

In the first round of the Amateur Championship in 2007, Willett beat a certain Rory McIlroy 2&1, having been five up after six holes.

5. Husband and wife team

Willet’s wife, Nicole caddied for him in the par-three contest on the eve of his debut in last year’s Masters. Willett finished joint 38th in the tournament proper at Augusta National.

6. We don’t need no education

After leaving school at 16, Willett quit a local college course after a month – “I hated it” he says – before attending Jacksonville State in Alabama for two years.

7. Charity man

In Dubai in January last year, Willett, his wife and caddie took part in a charity skydive to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.