PACIFIC PALISADES—The stars were shining brightly at the Northern Trust Open hosted by the Riviera Country Club, in Pacific Palisades, California. With Tinseltown a mere stones throw away, golf fans were given a dramatic script with a suspenseful finish just before the credits.
Bubba Watson stood over his putt on hole 18 knowing that he needed the par in order to avoid a 3-way playoff.
Bubba’s playing partner Jason Kokrak had just sunk his par-putt to finish his day at 3-under and joined the leader at 14-under for the tournament. In a previous grouping, Aussie Adam Scott chipped in from off the green to finish his round at 4-under and took the-then-lead at 14-under for the tournament.
Watson, who lives for the moment like a Hollywood celebrity, stood unwavering and drained the putt to win his second Northern Trust Open in three years at 15-under.
“For me to come back and win and pull one out in a tough way it means a lot,” Watson said, as reported by Golf Digest.
Watson was in the media two weeks ago for criticizing TPC Scottsdale for recent changes they made to the course. He has been one to speak his mind and make brash comments about his play and the courses that he plays. This has been a major focus of his to improve his game and to improve his image.
“We’ve been working on it hard,” said Watson. “Slow process. Instead of swing thoughts and swing, it’s all about the mind. And so for me it’s staying patient and Teddy [Scott, his caddie] in my ear. And Teddy’s been a blessing with that. It’s been a struggle over five years, but it’s working in the right direction.”
The value that he brings to the game of golf goes way beyond the nine tournaments won throughout his career. He brings a real element that is honest and brash. His temperament can be as wild as his left-handed swing at times, and we all look forward to what he does next.
