WATSON’S SWEETLIFE
Bubba pledges surprise in store
BUBBA WATSON runs his own sweet shop in Florida – but knows winning the Open won’t be as easy as taking candy from a baby.
The two-time Masters winner comes into the week at Royal Birkdale with just two top-10s to this name this season, from 18 starts.
Formerly the world No.2, Watson is struggling to stay in the top 50.
Yet the 38-year-old maverick from Bagdad, Florida isn’t too upset.
Watson can be wild and entertaining off the tee.
But if this style does not translate into victory this week? Well, just like his candy store, life is sugar-coated.
Princess
Watson said: “I guess life happened. If you’re spending time on something then something else has to give.
“How can I make my wife feel like a princess or my queen? How can I make my kids feel as if they are the only things that count in the world?
“I have a two-year-old daughter, Dakota, who is wild like I was and who sleeps two hours a night and screams and hollers.
“I have a five-year-old son, Caleb, who wants my attention. Would you focus on golf or this?
“I’m smart, but I’m not smart enough to do both.
“Jack Nicklaus was able to play golf and be a great father and I’ve not figured it out yet.”
Watson’s heroics at Augusta are legendary. ® His second shot from the trees at 10 in the play-off to beat Louis Oosthuizen in 2012 was one of the most miraculous ever witnessed.
Watson leads a life less ordinary. As well as the sweet shop, he owns a baseball team called the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
Then there’s the G/Fore clothing line he helps promote, which he is happy to show off now he’s shed a stone in weight.
“As an American we all love our junk food before bed,” said Watson with a laugh.
“It’s not good for me cutting down and not eating two hours before I go to sleep considering I own a candystore!”
But this week, Watson is intent on having a blast. He stunned locals by wheeling his own trolley around Formby Ladies course on Monday and saw Birkdale for the first time yesterday.
Watson has told fans to expect the unexpected.
“I always say to my caddy let me paint, let me be the artist and create a shot,” he said. “On links courses your imagination can run wild.”