Watson ends trophy drought
Bubba Watson is back in the winner’s circle after clinching the Northern Trust Open at Riviera by two shots.
The American, whose previous victory came back in 2012 when he won the Masters at Augusta, carded a flawless seven-under-par 64 to finish at 15 under for the tournament.
Dustin Johnson was his closest challenge after a final round of 66 pushed him to 13 under while Brian Harman (68) and Jason Allred (68) were another shot off the pace.
It really was a big turnaround from Watson as he started four shots off the pace of third-round leader William McGirt, but posted five birdies in the first eight holes at the Riviera Country Club.
“I am hitting the ball really well … and it worked out this week,” he told CBS Sports. “Things are great right now.”
He added: “Today, I got hot early, holed a bunker shot on six to really get it going and went bogey-free in the last round.”
“I was looking at: ‘There’s a number out there and I’m going to shoot it. I have to shoot it and I have to go out there and play good golf’.
“You’re always looking at trying to beat the golf course first, so that was my goal.”
Johnson finished runner-up for the second week in a row and 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel was alone in fifth at 11 under following a 68.
“He must be hitting the ball great and be in great control of his golf ball because the golf course, the greens, are really firm,” Schwartzel said of Watson’s performance. “It’s difficult. You need to hit good shots here.”
McGirt, who is still searching for his maiden PGA Tour, finished five shots behind Watson after a 73 while Lee Westwood closed with even par 71 to be at five-under.
Latest
-
NewsWATCH: Martin Laird emotional after breaking seven-year title drought
Martin Laird gets a little bit choked up as he savours his first win in seven years.
-
NewsMartin Laird takes Las Vegas title in play-off
The Scotsman sank a birdie putt from just outside 20 feet to take the tournament.
-
NewsTyrrell Hatton describes winning BMW PGA Championship as ‘a dream come true’
The win will see Hatton break into the world’s top 10 for the first time when the rankings are updated on Monday, two days before his 29th birthday.
-
NewsTyrrell Hatton enjoys early birthday present with BMW PGA Championship win
The Englishman, who turns 29 next week, will now break into the top 10 of the rankings for the first time.
-
NewsMartin Laird and Patrick Cantlay set the pace in Las Vegas
Laird’s second consecutive eagle on the ninth helped him to a round of 65.
-
NewsTyrrell Hatton takes commanding lead into final round at Wentworth
Hatton’s choice of clothing has been a talking point this week.
-
NewsBryson DeChambeau takes Matt Fitzpatrick’s criticism as ‘a compliment’
Fitzpatrick said the big-hitting American was ‘taking the skill out of’ golf.
-
NewsThree Players Who Will Take A Lot of Confidence from Their US Open Performance
DeChambeau will not be the only golfer who will be happy with how their game held up at Winged Foot Golf Club.
-
NewsMartin Laird and Peter Malnati eagle the 9th to share Las Vegas lead
The cut was made at 135, or seven under par.
-
NewsJuniors coach who gave McIlroy his first break receives British Empire Medal
Eddie Harper said he was ‘very pleased and surprised’ at the news.