Bubba Watson Captures Second Masters with Solid Play on Sunday

“A small-town guy named Bubba now has two green jackets.” — Bubba Watson.

Yes, the long hitting and creative golfer from Bagdad, Florida enters the history books as the 17th person to win two Masters after capturing his first in 2012. However, the 2014 championship will be remembered for the efforts of a 20 year old.

In the final round on the front nine, Jordan Spieth was looking at history with a chance to be the youngest to ever win The Masters on his first visit to Augusta National. Spieth, who was tied with Watson going into the final day at five under par, held a two shot lead after the 7th hole. His start included holing a spectacular bunker shot on No. 4 for birdie.

A two-time USGA Junior Champion and a member of the University of Texas NCAA Championship Team, Spieth saw his dreams fade away with a four-shot swing on holes eight and nine by Watson.

An event where the drama historically starts on the back nine will be remembered as a championship where drama peaked on the front. When Watson reached the back nine, he had regained his confidence. Along with his power and experience, the PGA Tour’s leader in driving distance by seven yards with an average of nearly 316 yards never looked back, finishing the day with a 69. The three shot victory over Spieth and another first time participant, Sweden’s Jonas Blixt, was close to a Sunday stroll in the late afternoon. Blixt was always around but never threatened for the lead.

“It stings right now. … I’ve waited my whole life to lead at Augusta on Sunday,” Spieth explained. “I didn’t come out on top but I can take a lot of positives away. I think I’m ready to win a major, and that’s a great feeling, it’s just a matter of time.”

As for Bubba Watson, the 2011 Zurich Classic Champion known for tears of joy was up to his old post-victory tricks. “It’s a dream to be on the PGA Tour, it’s a dream to win … So yea, I’m gonna cry.”

2014 Top Ten Finishers

1 – Bubba Watson – 69-68-74-69 280

2 – Jordan Spieth – 71-70-70-72 283

2 – Jonas Blixt – 70-71-71-71 283

4 – Miguel Angel Jimenez – 71-76-66-71 284

5 – Rickie Fowler – 71-75-67-73 286

5 – Matt Kuchar – 73-71-68-74 286

7 – Lee Westwood – 73-71-70-73 287

8 – Bernhard Langer – 72-74-73-69 288

8 – Rory McIlroy – 71-77-73-69 288

8 – Jimmy Walker – 70-72-76-70 288

8 – John Senden – 72-68-75-73 288

8 – Kevin Stadler – 70-73-72-73 288

8 – Thomas Bjorn – 73-68-73-74 288