Bubba Watson gives $200K back for ill children

CROMWELL, CONN. » Golfer Bubba Watson has donated $200,000 to the Travelers Championship to support the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut for seriously ill children.

Watson overcame a sixstroke deficit Sunday in Cromwell to win his third Travelers Championship title and $1.26 million.

The tournament announced the donation on Monday.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is the tournament’s primary beneficiary. The organization was founded in 1988 by Paul Newman and provides a camp experience for children facing serious and lifethreatening health issues.

Jimmy Canton, the chief executive officer of the Hole in the Wall Gang, said the organization was “over the moon delighted” with the gift.

The Travelers Championship contributes 100 percent of its net proceeds to nonprofits and said this year’s tournament generated $2 million for charity.

Injured Lawrie to miss Open return to Carnoustie

LONDON » Paul Lawrie, who won the 1999 British Open at Carnoustie following a dramatic collapse by Jean Van de Velde, will miss next month’s edition at the same venue because of injury.

“It is with regret that I announce my withdrawal from all Tour events forthe remainder of the current season,” Lawrie said in a statement on Monday.

“Unfortunately, both the back and foot injuries I have been carrying forthe last six months, and more, have become debilitating, to the point where Iam not currently able to compete at the highest level.”

Van de Velde, hoping to become France’s second British Open champion after Arnaud Massy claimed the coveted Claret Jug in 1907, led by three shots on the final tee of regulation play but then proceeded to triple bogey the last hole.

That meant Van de Velde went into a play-off with Lawrie and American Justin Leonard and it was the Scottish player who prevailed on home turf.

Next month’s British Open begins on July 19.