Bubba Watson, one of the rare breed of successful “lefties” on the golf tour, unmistakable with his trademark pink driver.
There are only four left-handed golfers who have ever won major tournaments, and Bubba is ranked second behind Phil Mickelson with two Masters’ Green Jackets.
Bubba Watson – What’s In The Bag
Golfer Profile
Height
Bubba stands 6ft 3ins tall (1.91m) and weighs in at 189lbs (82kgs) ideal build for a big hitter.
D.O.B
Bubba was born Gerry Lester Watson Jr on the 5th of November 1978. His father gave him the nickname Bubba after American footballer Bubba Smith.
Bubba was born in Bagdad, Florida and now calls Pensacola home.
He married Angie Bell in 2004, and they have two adopted children, Caleb and Dakota.
Angie, a former basketball player is also 6ft 3ins tall.
History
A native of Florida, he attended Milton High School and Faulkner State Community College. As an amateur represented the First Team junior college All-American at Faulkner State in Alabama and three-time AJGL All-American selection.
Bubba turned pro in 2002, playing on the Korn Ferry Tour, finishing in 21st position in 2005, allowing him to qualify for the PGA Tour. He was already known for his long drives, having led the tour in Driving Distance with an average of 334 yards.
As a rookie on the tour in 2006, Bubba was again the leader in Driving Distance with an average of 319. Yards. He finished with three top 10 results and his 4th place in the Sony Open in Hawaii earned him a check of $244,800 more than he earned in 2005.
2010 was a break-through year for Bubba as he won his first PGA tournament, the Travelers Championship, beating Verplank and Pavin in a playoff. Bubba lost a three-hole playoff against Martin Kaymer for the PGA Championship but earned a spot on the 2010 Ryder cup team.
The first major came for Bubba in the 2012 Masters at Augusta, but again he first had to overcome a playoff against Louis Oosthuizen.
Bubba won his second green jacket at the Masters in 2014, this time with a clear three-shot margin over runner-up Jordan Spieth.
In 2020 Bubba was one of only nine players to have qualified every year of the 14 seasons of the FedExCup.
Bubba has been a member of the Ryder Cup team since 2010; being Vice-Captain in 2016, he has also been a regular on the Presidents Cup team. In 2016 he finished T8 at the Olympics.
Since joining the PGA tour in 2006, Bubba Watson has had 12 tour wins with earnings over $47,000,000.
Some Interesting Facts About Bubba
Bubba has a remarkable record when it comes to playoffs, having won five out of six. The only loss being to Martin Kaymer in the 2010 PGA.
His wife Angie was a former professional Basketball player and was diagnosed with a brain tumor but later shown to be an enlarged pituitary gland.
Unlike other players who were coached and supported from a young age, Bubba was self-taught, learning the game by hitting Wiffle balls around the house.
Went back to Georgia University in 2008 to complete his degree in Consumer Economics.
Bubba is a committed Christian and part of the Bible Study group on tour.
Gives generously to charities, including flood relief, inspiring children and young adults, and the U.S. Military. His father, Gerry, was a Green Beret and died of cancer in 2010.
Bubba is part owner of a minor-league baseball team, co-owner of a car dealership, and owner of “Bubba’s Sweet Shop” in Pensacola, Florida.
What’s In The Bag?
Driver – Ping G400 LST Driver in classic Bubba pink. The LST is for Low Spin Technology to help fast swingers keep the ball down. Loft 7.6 degrees.
Woods – 3 Wood: Ping G400. 5 Wood: Ping G400 loft 17.5 degrees.
Hybrid – Ping G loft 19 degrees.
Irons – Ping iBlade 4-PW Ping S55.
Wedges – Ping Glide 2, 52, 56, and 60 degrees of loft. Stamped ‘Bubba’s sweet spot’.
Putter – His trusty putter is a Ping Anser PLD.
Ball – Titleist ProV1x golf ball.
Predictions
This being a very disruptive year Bubba is currently standing on 373 points and ranked 88 in the FedExCup.
With his proud record in the FedExCup, the Ryder Cup, and the Presidents Cup, you can be sure that Bubba will remain competitive despite his 42 years. You can also be sure that the pink driver will continue to send those booming long drives that thrill the gallery.
References
- PGA, https://www.pgatour.com/players/player.25804.bubba-watson.html
Charl
Charl is an avid golfer and constantly striving to improve his game. He is a big fan of technology and new clubs although still has a passion for the classics. When not writing, Charl can be found at his local course, discovering new golf courses, or practicing at the driving range.
