RESENTED AND ACCOUNTED FOR
Bubba sees pros’ dislike for him as motivation to change
AUGUSTA, Ga.— Bubba Watson took the high road discussing a recent ESPN survey of 103 anonymous golfers that showed him to be among the least popular players on Tour. Twentythree percent of those polled named Watson when asked to fill in the blank: “_______ is in a fight in the parking lot. You’re not helping him.”
Watson was asked about the survey during his Masters press conference Tuesday.
“I take it as I need to improve as a man,” said Watson, who won the 2012 and 2014 Masters. “I take it with pride. I need to get better. And I think over my career, since my rookie season to now, I’ve gotten better. But obviously there’s room forme to improve as a man.”
Watson said he took the survey and named himself because he didn’t want to “call out anybody,” but didn’t seem miffed he was.
“Hopefully next year or the year after it improves,” he said. “It’s a challenge. It’s great. I’m glad that it came out and it's going to help me improve. So if it’s a bad thing and people don’t like me, then I’ve got to improve and prove them wrong.”
Perhaps Watson’s Masters success is rubbing people the wrong way. He won the 2012 championship in a playoff with Louis Oosthuizen when the left- hander hit that memorable sharp hook from out of the trees on the 10th hole to help save par. Hewon last year by playing steady golf on the back nine while everyone else imploded.
Watson admitted he was “scared to death” hosting the Champions Dinner in 2013 and had trouble dealing with the media attention he received as the defending champion that year. He finished tied for 50th and hopes to mount a better defense this year.
“This time I know what to expect,” he said. “It doesn’t mean I’m going to play better. I just know what to expect. I know how to save some energy. I know how things are going to happen That doesn't mean it's going to help. It just means that I should be better prepared this time.”
It’s hard to figure why Tour players don’t like Watson. He was out front in promoting the Drive, Chip and Putt competition that attracted more than 30,000 kids and ended with Sunday’s finals at Augusta National.
“It’s amazing where they started and where they have come from,” Watson said. “And it’s amazing the parents let their kids come out here and see this beautiful place.”
If Tour players don’t like him, fans do. The pink driver, the homemade swing, his constant chatter about family and God. He also has two Green Jackets. What’s not to like?
“I’ve had some mess- ups on Tour,” Watson said. “I think I’ve improved in those areas and I’m trying to get better. That’s all I can do. I’m glad for people that call me out when they do. That’s the only way I can get better. If I don’t know about it, then I can’t