BUBBA WATSON SEEKING FIRST INTERNATIONAL WIN AT THAILAND CHAMPIONSHIP

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE ASIAN TOUR

 

Bangkok, November 5: Masters Tournament champion Bubba Watson will be aiming for his first international victory at the Thailand Golf Championship next month to cap a life-changing season in 2012.

The swash-buckling American left-handed Ryder Cup player, pictured, makes his debut at the prestigious US$1 million Asian Tour tournament at Amata Spring Country Club from December 6-9 along with other world-class names including title holder Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Sergio Garcia, Hunter Mahan and Ryo Ishikawa.

Watson, ranked eighth in the world, claimed his first Green Jacket in April in sensational style following a play-off victory over Oosthuizen at Augusta National. He hooked an approach shot from deep in the pine trees which led to a par for his first Major victory that came weeks after adopting a son.

“I would love to walk away with the trophy there. I’m looking forward to going to the Thailand Golf Championship and challenging myself and challenging the golf course and trying to beat some of the best players in the world,” said the 34-year-old Watson.

He believes his Major breakthrough in April would help him win more titles in his burgeoning career. “It was a crazy week. To pull that off to win and put on the Green Jacket, it was very special. It hasn’t changed me as a person, but it has changed me as a golfer. Knowing that I can do it and perform under pressure, I’m looking forward to many more Majors and trying to win more Majors and another Green Jacket.”

Watson said Westwood convinced him to commit to the Thailand Golf Championship, which will be only his second trip to Asia after featuring in the WGC-HSBC Champions in China last week.

“Lee won it last year and he said it was a great event and he enjoyed his time there. I heard there are some islands which are beautiful and I would like to do some sight-seeing,” he said.

“It’s been a blessing, winning a Major. On top of that, the number one thing for me was adopting our new son (Caleb).  He’s eight months old now, he’s been with us for seven months. That’s been the most fun the whole year.”

He said family life has been the main factor for his rise in the Official World Golf Ranking, moving up from 21^st position when he started the 2012 season. Apart from his Major breakthrough, the tall American racked up six other top-10s and nine other top-25s. With four US PGA Tour victories in his career, he is eager to ply his trade abroad more regularly and experience different challenges and cultures.

“It has changed. You know, when you see him (Caleb) smile, when you come off the golf course and you’re not happy with your round, you see him smiling at you and giggling, you’ll think that round didn’t mean that much,” said Watson.

“There’s no reason to get down too badly. Your son smiling at you, whether you win or lose, your son still smiles at you.

“I think on the mental part, my caddie has also helped me a lot by just trying to stay positive on the golf course and not thinking about the bad stuff. Over the years, you get better and better and this year, it’s all come together. This year, it’s got better and it’s come together.”

Watson believes that the game has evolved immensely especially in the Far East. “I think the whole world is growing. Golf is getting bigger and more popular,” said Watson.

“I’m learning. I like going to different places and learning different cultures and also learning to play in different parts of the world. And I like to win, I like to win outside the U.S. I think it’ll be fun to hold a trophy in another country.”

A self-taught golfer who has never had a golf lesson in his life, Watson’s mantra in the game is to enjoy himself and have fun while playing, which has since earned him the brand “Bubba Golf.”

“Bubba Golf is about having fun,” he said. “It’s about using your imagination to hit shots and hopefully they turn out good. As a kid, you learn the game and you have fun. You’re out there being free and playing the game that you enjoy and that’s what I’m trying to do in my golf career which is to have fun and play golf,” he said.

Part of the wacky world of Watson has seen him play a starring role with Ben Crane, Rickie Fowler and Mahan in the YouTube hit Golf Boys video. Watson said the sequel would be out by early next year.

“We’re having a video shoot coming out pretty soon, by the beginning of next year, it’ll be out. It’ll be pretty much the same, maybe some treats here and there. Can’t let everyone know about it yet!” he smiled.