He got lucky, but Watson deserved his win
THE WEEKEND saw a fantastic Masters, by my reckoning one of the best for many years, which culminated in a great and thoroughly deserved maiden Major victory for Bubba Watson.
Apart from his first shot at the 10th during that decisive play-off, which veered into trouble in the trees, the American played fantastically well throughout a dramatic final day at Augusta.
Watson got a little lucky at the 10th – to hit a wedge from there and find the green was extraordinary. It’s almost impossible to find the gap needed and then play that banana shot, and he was fortunate that, being a left-hander, he was able to hook it like he did.
It’s a huge shot to attempt but that is the way Watson plays and that’s what they love about him. He is adventurous and it is absolutely fantastic for spectators.
Runner-up Louis Oosthuizen had showcased some incredible shots himself, going up and down four or five times on the back nine in a superb short game display, but ended up losing out.
Oosthuizen might have won a Major before, but Watson was no stranger to either big events or winning. Yes this was bigger, but in the end it’s all still golf and the key was he just kept playing his game.
Of the others near the top of the leaderboard, Phil Mickelson paid a high price for his two triple bogeys. Peter Hanson, who led going into the final round, did okay. He birdied at the last to tie for third and overall it was a great Masters for him, but he is bound to be disappointed.
Finally, England’s own Lee Westwood was just so unlucky. He played beautifully again, probably better than anyone else, and he ought to be delighted with that, but he just could not buy a putt.
As his search for a first Major continues, he just has to take the positives away from the week and keep working on the greens.
Sam Torrance OBE is a multiple Ryder Cup-winning golfer and media commentator. Follow him on Twitter @torrancesam