The emerging legend of Bubba Watson

[Awsi Dooger]

Absolutely surreal. He's a left handed PGA power hitter who makes John Daly's drives look like a lob wedge.

I'd heard of him but tonight was my first view. David Toms won but the story was Bubba Watson and his 370+ yard drives, many much longer than that. He was literally hitting pitch and run chip shots to 420 yard par 4s and short irons into par 5s.

Plus I couldn't believe his touch and control with a variety of intentional draws and fades. This guy isn't merely a clumsy bomber with no game. He finished 4th at 12 under with a closing eagle on the par 5 18th.

After the round, ESPN interviewed the 27 year old Bubba, from Bagdad, Florida of all places, and asked him when the last time he played against someone who hit it longer than him. "Ummm. It's been a while. Probably my dad when I was 6 years old."

It would be awesome for Bubba to make the Masters.

BTW, David Duval somehow managed a closing 63 to finish at 2 under. I'd love to see him revive his game.

[Kingofalldems]

1. I believe his second shot to the par 5 18th was a wedge

Incredible! He won't be playing this week tho. I hope Duval makes a smashing comeback.

[Awsi Dooger]

2. Why isn't he playing this week?

The rule has always been a Top Ten finish automatically qualifies you to play the following week. I thought for sure he'd be in the field.

Admittedly, I don't follow the tour as closely until March, when I start betting the PGA events every week via one-on-one matchups. My criteria is driving distance and putting accuracy, so if Bubba has good putting stats I'll be betting him all year. I know damn well he'll have a #1 next to his name in the driving distance category.