Watson: I’m ready for it this time

Bubba Watson feels he will deal with the pressure of being a Masters champion much better the second time around.
The 35-year-old admits he was overwhelmed after winning his first green jacket back in 2012, believing he almost “lucked into” a play-off victory over former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen.
That victory also came just days after Watson and his wife Angie had adopted a baby son.
Returning to Augusta in 2013, Watson struggled to cope with the attention on him as the defending champion.
“I didn’t know how to handle it the best way and so I didn’t play my best golf last year,” said Watson, who had a long barren spell inbetween his first Masters win and February’s Northern Trust Open.
“The team I have around me, we have always thought that I’ve had the talent.
“We always felt like I could play golf at a high level, but then to actually do it is the hard part. After getting the green jacket the first time it’s overwhelming, a guy named Bubba from a small town, born in Pensacola, Florida, raised in Bagdad; it’s crazy to think that you’ve won.
“Adopting my son the week before threw a wrench in there as well. Learning to be a dad and then learning to have a green jacket with you is two big things to adjust to.
“So it just took me a little time. When I won in LA (at the Northern Trust Open in February) I said I might never win again, but I’m going to give it my best effort. I just kept working hard, even though it doesn’t look like I practise that much.
“With hard work and my wife’s dedication we worked out schedules, how I can practise at a high level, if it’s 30 minutes or if it’s an hour, just get a quick practice in and then come back and be a dad and be a husband. We figured out our schedule and how to travel better and everything and here we are.
“The first time we treated it a lot different because of the family. I had to be there for my son and so golf was the farthest thing from my mind. So I took off some tournaments. Trying to be a good husband, a good dad at that moment was the most important thing.
“This one is a little bit different. My schedule is probably not going to change. Everything’s a go. We are trying to make the Ryder Cup team. We are trying to win the next tournament, trying to make the next cut. So it’s a lot different situation now than it was back then.”
Watson’s win on Sunday took him top of the Ryder Cup standings and United States’ captain Tom Watson was quick to send his congratulations, writing on Twitter: “Way to go Bubba! Enjoy your victory. See you on the plane to Gleneagles.”
As to the prospect of appearing in a third Ryder Cup, Watson added: “I love it, going over there (to Scotland) and playing golf, so I can’t wait.
“I know a win here is double points, so I figure I made the team. It’s a great feeling. I haven’t won a Ryder Cup yet, so that’s the next big tournament I’d like to win.”
Latest
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.