Watson lays down Masters marker with record triumph
First Bubba Watson denied Justin Thomas the world No1 tag and then he inflicted on Kevin Kisner the biggest ever 18-hole win in the final of the WGC Dell Match Play. It is fair to say the left-hander has put himself firmly in the picture for an emotional Ryder Cup return in September.
Certainly, Jim Furyk, the US captain, would have been impressed as he saw Watson notch up his second win in four weeks to confirm that he is a big-time player again.
Obviously, the 39-year-old must be given a huge shout of gaining a third green jacket at the Masters in two weeks’ time, but he seemed more interested in the biennial dust-up in September.
“I hope Jim is watching, because I really want to play in France,” Watson said. “I want to be a vicecaptain, but I’d rather play.”
Indeed, at this point it is hard to envisage Watson being there at le Golf National as anything other than a player. Two years ago, he overcame the pain of being overlooked by Davis Love by giving himself up to the cause as an assistant. No earpiece this time around, not after this past month.
Of course, no Watson win would be complete without the tearworks and the Bubba blubbing duly poured forth when he hugged his mother Molly following his 7 & 6 trouncing of fellow American Kevin Kisner. “Without her upbringing I’d be nothing,” he said.
Watson’s reaction was understandable considering the depths from which he has re-emerged. A mystery illness last year saw him lose 20lb, and suffering from weakness and exhaustion he considered retirement.
Even last month, he was still ranked down in 117th. But then Waston lifted the Genesis Open title and now he is back in the world’s top 25 and one of the leading fancies for a Masters that with the resurgence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, as well as the fine form of so many youngsters including Rory Mcilroy, has all the hallmarks of a classic.
Watson’s focus has returned as his strength has recovered and with a new putter is looking deadly on the greens. Surely his self-belief is at an all-time high?
“You know, we’re supposed to make a big deal out of Augusta and everything, but it’s a golf tournament and anyone in this field will have a chance to win,” Watson said. “But, yeah, I’m confident after two wins. Hopefully, I can keep this focus and keep my putter rolling like it is.”
Poor Kisner. He crushed Ian Poulter 8&6 in the quarter-finals, but 24 hours later found himself on the wrong end of stuffing on the same 12th green.
The 34-year-old’s form deserted him when he needed it most. Watson required only two birdies. “It was just pitiful,” Kisner said.
Thomas knew how Kisner felt after being humbled 3 & 2 by the maverick ball-striker in the semifinals. For the 24-year-old, the carrot dangled too provocatively. Knowing that victory over Watson would see him jump above Dustin Johnson to the top of the rankings for the first time in his career, the Kentuckian froze.
Credit to Thomas, because he was perfectly open about his shortcomings. At 24, there will be more opportunities – and given the quality with which he is currently performing they will probably come very, very soon – and next time Thomas believes he will be ready.
“I haven’t had such a hard time not thinking about something so much,” he said. “And that really sucked. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, to be honest. And I think you’re constantly getting questions about it with the media. But I need to be mentally stronger than that, and understand that it’s just a match.”
Thomas’s day got no better as he lost 5 & 4 to Alex Noren in the thirdand-fourth play-off. The Swede valiantly carried the European flag, but eventually found Kisner too dogged in their semi-final, losing on the first extra hole.
At the very least the 35-year-old further emphasised his cool talent to America with his third top -three placing on Stateside this season. Like his counterpart, Thomas Bjorn, the Europe captain, would have been a very interested observer.