Watson was a non-playing LIV Golf captain in 2022 as he recovered from knee surgery, but he’s back in ’23. The big-hitting American won the hearts of fans across the world with his emotional reaction to winning the Masters in 2012, and he has now won 14 pro tournaments – including another Augusta triumph in 2014. Watson reached No.2 in the world in 2015, the highest rating for a left-hander, an honor he shares with Phil Mickelson.
WINS (2)
2012 Masters – Won his first major by beating Louis Oosthuizen on the second hole of a playoff. Produced one of the Masters’ most incredible recovery shots on the 10th hole, using a 52-degree gap wedge to hit a shot from the pine straw under the trees with 40 yards of hook. The ball stopped 15 feet from the pin; he then two-putted for par for the win. Said Watson: “I got in these trees and hit a crazy shot that I saw in my head and somehow I'm here talking to you with a green jacket on.”
2014 Masters – Entered the final round tied for the lead and won by three shots at 8 under. Shot 69-68 to take a three-shot lead after 36 holes but fell back with a third-round 74. Shot a final-round 69, taking the lead with four birdies in a six-hole stretch. Became the 17th player to win the Masters at least two times. Said Watson: “To win twice, to be with the great names that you just said; again, small‑town guy named Bubba now has two green jackets, it's pretty wild.”
STARTS AND FINISHES
Masters
Starts: 15
Best finish: Win (2012, 2014)
Top 10s: 3
Cuts made: 13
PGA Championship
Starts: 16
Best finish: 2nd (2010)
Top 10s: 1
Cuts made: 10
U.S. Open
Starts: 15
Best finish: 5th (2007)
Top 10s: 1
Cuts made: 7
Open Championship
Starts: 11
Best finish: 23rd (2012)
Top 10s: 0
Cuts made: 6
RYDER CUP HISTORY (Team USA)
Appearances (4): 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018
Record (wins, losses, halves): 4-10-0
Total matches: 14
Singles (W-L-H): 0-4-0
Foursomes (W-L-H): 1-3-0
Four-balls (W-L-H): 3-3-0