AVIDGOLFER

Non-Breaking News: Bubba Watson Will Not Retire After His 10th Tour Win

Rick Arnett /

Bubba Watson admits he’s a weird duck. But the self-taught golf savant is also incredibly talented and when everything aligns, there are few Tour players more interesting to watch. The 39-year-old still hits it a mile and can curve the rock right or left better than anyone. He’s and prime-time Tiger Woods are what the TopTracer was made for.

Bubba won the Genesis Open for the 3rd time. Only Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer have won as many at hallowed Riviera. And, it was his 10th Tour win–a goal that at one time would’ve signaled retirement (his words, not ours).

“(Winning the Hero World Challenge is) very big for my career personally, but I don’t see it as 10 (wins),” said Watson on Sunday. “I need two, or nine, that’s what it is. I still need two more still.

Watson can break out in tears at any given moment.

There’s was this storyline before Bubba holed a bunker shot on 14 for a two-shot lead.

Watson had to go to the bathroom and asked fellow playing competitor Cameron Smith whether he knew if there was a restroom nearby. Turns out there was one on the way to the next hole. “If you can wait a couple more shots,” Smith said.  

Watson had a better plan. “I’m just going to hole it and go to the bathroom,” he said.  

It was Bubba’s first Tour win in two years. His money grab with the Volvik golf ball was a horrendous mistake (just play well and the money will follow). He had an undisclosed illness (but didn’t want to divulge what it was). Bubba was so despondent that he was seriously thinking of quitting.

Watson’s decline last year was swift, spiraling and seemingly irreversible (not to mention surprising, given his given his extraordinary length and artistry). He endured a “medical issue” that he downplayed as “nothing worse than a paper cut,” but caused him to lose more than 20 pounds. He said he dreaded stepping on the scale as his weight plummeted as low as 160 pounds. His wife Angie had knee surgery, a period during which Bubba was a stay-at-home dad, and son, Caleb, started kindergarten.  

“I was close,” he said. “My wife told me to quit whining and play golf. She’s a lot tougher than I am. I get a paper cut and I’m out for a week.”  

Of course, Bubba isn’t quitting. Believe it or not, he’s getting close to Hall of Fame territory. If Watson grabs a third Masters, you can pretty much bank on it.

And, who would’ve ever thought that?

Finally here’s another nugget to chew on…

Arnold Palmer Ben Hogan Bubba Watson Genesis Open Riviera CC