Teary Masters champ Bubba still learning not to blubber
NEWLY-CROWNED Masters champion Bubba Watson admits he is yet to exert the same control over his emotions as he does a golf ball.
Watson won his first Major title at Augusta on Sunday after a fraught play-off with South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen – and promptly broke down on the green.
“I’m just trying to figure out ways to calm down, to breathe differently and to control myself,” said the 33-year-old American. “If the crowd’s cheering and I’m looking at them and talking, then I get so pumped up. The ball could go anywhere because I’ve got so much adrenalin pumping through my veins.”
Watson won after finding the green with a staggering improvised hook shot from amid the trees at the 10th, the second and last extra hole of the play-off.
FACTFILE: BUBBA WATSON
1978: Born 5 November in Bagdad, Florida. Named Gerry but later nicknamed Bubba by his father because of his fat and ugly appearance as a child
2003: Turns professional and qualifies for the 2006 PGA Tour after finishing 21st on Nationwide Tour money list in 2005
2007: Finishes tied-fifth at the US Open
2010: Runner-up to Martin Kaymer at the US PGA Championship and makes Ryder Cup debut
2012: Victory at the Masters gives him first Major title and lifts him to No4 in world rankings