Gerry ‘Bubba’ Watson is the 2012 Masters Champion.
Today was not only a win for modern day golf, it was also a win for all the young kids out there who dream of one day winning a Major Championship. Bubba has creativity in his shots second to none. All this from a guy who has never had a golf lesson in his life! You can see why he has so many fans out there. He wears his heart on his sleeve and isnt afraid to try something new, which was evident on the second play off hole.
Bubba entered the final round just 3 shots off the lead in fourth place. He played very consistent golf today and managed to stay in contention while overnight leader Peter Hanson struggled with a one over 73. Second placed Phil Mickelson had a triple bogey six on the Par 3 fourth which dropped him down the leaderboard early in the day.
It was South African player Louis Oosthuizen who put the pressure on the leaders early with a double eagle on the Par 5 second hole. His second shot landed on the front left side of the green and fed straight down to the hole on the right side of the green. As the shot tracked closer to the hole the crowd all rose as one and let out an almighty roar which could be heard around the course as the ball gently dropped into the hole.
Oosthuizen then maintained the lead until Bubba joined him at -10 after four straight birdies on 13, 14, 15 and 16.
Both Oosthuizen and Watson then had pars on the remaining two holes to finish in a tie for the lead.
Two shots back on -8 and in a share for third place were Lee Westwood 68, Matt Kuchar 69, Phil Mickelson 72 and Peter Hanson 73.
The Amateur Champion was American Patrick Cantlay who carded an even round 72 to finish at +7 in a tie for 47th place.
After waiting for the final group to finish the 18th hole, Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen headed back to the 18th tee to face each other in a Sudden Death Play Off. Both players managed a Par which then saw them heading to the Par 4, 10th hole for the second Sudden Death play off.
Bubba had the honors to tee off first and hooked his drive right and straight into the rough which left him with a near impossible second shot
Oosthuizen changed to a 3 wood as he was now in the box seat however he also hit his ball right. He was lucky to get a good bounce as the ball came back into play just off the fairway edge. From there he had a slight miss hit and left his second shot just short of the front of the green with the pin towards the back.
Then it happened!
Bubba’s ball was in the deep pine straw and most guys would of layed up, taken thier medicine and hoped to land somewhere near Oosthuizens ball.
But not Bubba!
He went for the shot that dreams are made of; and took out his pitching wedge and used all his creativity to snap hook the ball high and right over the trees to land it miraculously 12 foot from the pin. He had now put the pressure back on Louis.
Oosthuizen hit his third shot to the back of the green then missed his return put down to the pin and had to settle for bogey. This left Bubba with two putts to win The Masters. He tapped in his second putt to record a Par and more importantly his first Major Title.
The tears were flowing on the green as he embraced his caddy, mother and fellow golfing buddies. He then walked to Butler Cabin were he was presented with the Geeen Jacket from 2011 Masters Champ Charl Shwartzel.
This was his 4th PGA Tour victory and interestingly it was his 3rd Play Off win after winning the 2010 Travelers Championship a play off and last year claiming the Zurich Classic in another play off.
While Bubba now heads home to celebrate his victory with his wife and new adopted baby there will be countless young kids heading to the park and driving ranges around the world to attempt that remarkable pitching wedge shot and dream of the day when they too may one day wear the Green Jacket.
It’s what dreams are made of!!!!
