U.S. golfer Bubba Watson hits off the 12th tee in final round play on Torrey Pines South course during the Farmers Insurance Open PGA golf tournament in San Diego, California January 30, 2011.
Credit: Reuters/Mike Blake
MARANA, Arizona |
MARANA, Arizona (Reuters) - Bubba Watson is enjoying a golden 2011 season, highlighted by his second PGA Tour victory at last month's Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego and a carefree approach to the game.
Just over a year ago, however, it was a very different story as the long-hitting American continually berated himself for not living up to his own high golfing standards, and those of others.
It took a serious sit-down with his concerned caddie, and another with his wife Angie, before Watson was able to transfer his happy-go-lucky approach to life to his day job out on the course.
"I've always been happy," Watson told reporters after overpowering Australian Geoff Ogilvy 6&4 in the third round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship on Friday.
"The problem was inside the ropes my life was going the wrong way. My caddie told me earlier last year he was going to leave me, because he's a good friend of mine, and he didn't want to see me beat myself (mentally) inside the ropes.
"Outside the ropes, as soon as I sign the scorecard, I'm the same Bubba from Baghdad (in Florida). I love to have fun, love to goof around. I don't worry about what I shot. I just had to bring it to the golf course."
Left-hander Watson, who clinched his maiden PGA Tour title at last year's Travelers Championship, said his caddie's threat to leave him had been a much-needed jolt.
"It was a slap in the face," the 32-year-old added. "My wife said the same stuff. We had a pow-wow and I was wrong.
"So I've worked hard to try to bring it to the golf course. And my caddie has kicked me in the butt a few times to remind me of what I'm supposed to be doing.
RIGHT DIRECTION
"Golf is the last thing I'm thinking about. We're just thinking about keeping my life in the right direction. It's working so far."
It has certainly worked for Watson this week at Dove Mountain's Ritz-Carlton Golf Club where he has not trailed at any stage in his first three matches in the elite 64-man event.
On Friday, he charged three up on Ogilvy after just three holes before sealing victory at the par-four 14th.
Ogilvy, a double Match Play champion, conceded the match to his opponent after taking three shots to reach the 14th green on a sun-baked afternoon at Dove Mountain.
U.S. Ryder Cup player Watson, who was effectively eight under par for the first 13 holes, had struck a superb approach there to just under four feet.
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