Who would have ever thought a boy named Bubba would win the Masters? Shoot, who in their wildest dreams would have envisioned a self-taught, bombs away, never-had-a-lesson-in-my- life, pink driver hittin’ lefty would have won the most storied golf tournament known to man?
Gary Bubba Watson Jr. defied the odds.
On a Sunday highlighted by the fourth double eagle in Master’s history, two aces, a shank, another Mickelson triple and no Tiger Woods on the CBS broadcast, a fight to the death showdown broke out in the day’s second to last pairing between Louis Oosthuizen and Bubba Watson to see who would be invited inside the Butler Cabin. And after the dust settled it was a Bubba donning the green jacket.
Birdies on 13, 14, 15 and 16 drew Bubba into a tie with Louis who had bottle rocketed his way into the lead after his albatross at No. 2. The duo matched each other golf shot for golf shot the whole day but it was clear who the crowd favorite was.
How could you not cheer for Bubba? Here’s a guy who rocked the exact same all white outfit the entire four days of the tournament, slugs away with a pink driver, drinks goat milk to make his hair shiny, is the proud owner of the Dukes of Hazard car, just adopted a son less than a month ago, is a co-star in the now famous Golf Boys video, and oh yeah, he can hit a pitching wedge 174 yards. What’s not to love?
In case you needed another reason to cheer for him, Saturday evening, after he completed his third round, Bubba tweeted, “Thanks everyone for the support! 3 reasons tomorrow will be #awesome, 1. Jesus is risen 2. See my new baby boy & my wife 3. Masters Sunday.” Talk about an incredible perspective. Yeah, Bubba’s got it going on.
And it’s obvious he is loved by more than just the fans. After he tapped in, hugged his mom and caddy, and dampened No. 10’s green with his tears, three of Bubba’s competitors and close friends were there to embrace him with congratulatory, grown man hugs. It was the first time I had ever seen anything like it in my life. The amount of pure emotion engulfing Augusta National after his victory was incredible.
After his victory Bubba was asked if he ever dreamed about winning the Masters. His response was legendary: “I’ve never made it this far in my dreams.”
Welcome to your undreamed dream, Bubba. We’re just glad we could witness it with you.
