American professional golfer Garry Lester Watson Jr., often known as Bubba Watson, is a member of the Tour. He is regarded as one of the longest drives in professional golf and has won numerous major championships on the Professional Golf Association (PGA) circuit, including the Masters. Although Watson was a gifted young golfer who excelled in high school and at the Faulkner State Community College, his first major recognition came from his participation in the University of Georgia Bulldogs athletic program. He played a key role in leading the university to victory in the Southeastern Conference. When Watson turned pro in 2001 at the age of 23, he had a respectable debut on the national tour, drawing notice for his long-distance driving prowess. Following several close calls and missed chances, Watson eventually won the Travelers Championship in Connecticut in 2010. He would go on to win the Farmers’ Insurance Open in 2011 by defeating Phil McKelson by a single shot. The pinnacle of his career came in 2012 when Watson captured the Augusta Masters championship. He achieved yet another high in 2015 when he finished in second place on the PGA Tour, his highest-ever ranking. He is still playing professionally, and in 2018 he won three titles.
Childhood & Formative Years
On November 5, 1978, Bubba Watson was born in Bagdad, Florida, to Gerry Sr. and Molly Marie Watson. He had an early interest in golf and quickly acquired a strong passion for it. Watson practiced his favorite sport daily throughout his childhood since his father would always support him.
He participated on the school’s golf team while attending Milton High School. In addition, he attended Faulkner State Community College, where he played golf and was a junior college All-American.
He afterward changed schools to attend the University of Georgia, the reigning NCAA champions. He was a member of the University team that won the 2000 Southeastern Conference championship.
The career of Bubba Watson
Bubba Watson made the decision to go professional in 2001 and joined the Nationwide Tour. He played with them right up until 2005. He qualified for the 2006 PGA Tour after finishing 21st on the Nationwide Tour money list.
In 2006, he made his PGA Tour debut and won more than $1 million. He was able to drive farther and farther, reaching his professional record of 442 yards at the WGC: Bridgestone Invitational.
He qualified for the finals of the U.S. Open in 2007 and was observed there. He got off to a strong start at the Oakmont Country Club finals but lost ground in the subsequent rounds. His billing position was number five.
He made a significant breakthrough in 2010. In June 2010, he made his PGA Tour debut in Connecticut, dedicating the win to his father.
In 2010 at Whistling Straits, he finished second to Martin Kaymer in the PGA Championship. Even though he was playing well, a penalty put him back on the scoresheet.
In 2010, he also launched his own apparel brand, Bubba Golf. That same year, he was invited as one of the guests on Ellen DeGeneres Show because of his charming demeanor and irreverent humor.
In 2011, his good fortune was on his side. At the Farmers Insurance Open, he defeated Phil Mickelson by one shot to win his second PGA Championship. He then won his third PGA title, the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.
He captured his first major title at the Masters in 2012. He won the title with four straight birdies and a strong record in the sudden-death playoff. He was ranked fourth in the world after this.
Following his Masters victory, he struggled. He missed both the U.S. Open and the Memorial Tournament. In the Open Championship, he was eliminated in the third round, while he placed second in the Travelers Championship.
He participated in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, and the WGC-Cadillac Championship in 2013. He never reached the pinnacle, although he did perform satisfactorily.
He didn’t play well at the Travelers Championship, the Masters, the U.S. Open, the Players Championship, or the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
His fortunes turned in 2014 as he placed second at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Soon after, he won the Northern Trust Open for the fifth time, moving up to the 14th spot in the global rankings.
His confidence was boosted by his victory at the Northern Trust Open. He went on to play well in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and finished second in the WGC-Cadillac Championship. He was ranked 12 instead of 14.
2014 saw him win his second Masters title with victories against Jonas Blixt and Jordan Spieth. He became the 17th player to win the Masters twice, and his world ranking rose to 4.
He took home the Hero World Challenge and Travelers Championship in 2015. He rose to third place.
After overcoming Jason Kokrak and Adam Scott in the Northern Trust Open at Riveria in 2016, he took first place. He didn’t win any titles and missed the cut in three of the four majors in the following year.
He had an impressive debut at the QBE shootout in 2018. In February, he took home his first championship of the year at the Genesis Open. Afterwards, he took home the Travelers Championship and the WGC-Dell Match Play Event.
Honors and Accomplishments
The first time Bubba Watson won the Masters Tournament was in 2012. This event is one of golf’s four major championships. He was still the inaugural left-hander to win the competition. In 2014, he would go on to win the title a second time.
In 2012 and 2014, he was also bestowed with the Best Male Golfer ESPY Award.
Individual Life and Legacy
While on tour, he met Angela Watson, the woman who would become his wife, in Georgia. She was a member of the basketball squad for women. They tied the knot in September 2004. When it became apparent that Angela was not naturally able to conceive, they made the decision to adopt a child. Caleb was adopted by them in March of 2012.
Watson is well renowned for his altruistic nature and is frequently spotted at charitable functions. In 2011, he and Dustin Johnson and Robert Garrigus participated in the Long Drive Contest for Charity. He would finish in second place with a 370-yard drive.
After relocating to Pensacola in 2015, he quickly integrated himself into the community. He bought a car dealership, started an ice cream shop, and joined the local baseball team’s ownership group. Additionally, he consistently donates to Studer Family Children’s Hospital.
He has declared that he would like to run for mayor of Pensacola in the future because of his strong links to the town.
Facts about Bubba Watson
His father gave him the nickname “Bubba,” naming him after American football player Bubba Smith.
He, Ben Crane, Hunter Mahan, and Rickie Fowler make up the boy band “Golf Boys.” They frequently give money they get to charitable organizations and post their singles on YouTube.
The net worth of Bubba Watson
The estimated net worth of Bubba Watson is about $2 million.