Watson became only the third multiple winner over the past 22 majors, joining Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson with two wins during that span. PHOTO: AFP
Big-driving Bubba Watson captured his second Masters title in three years, pulling away from Jordan Spieth on the back nine for a three-stroke victory at Augusta National.
The 35-year-old American fired a three-under par 69 Sunday to finish 72 holes on eight-under 280 and take his second major title, the top prize of $1.62 million from a record $9 million purse and another green jacket.
“I never loved green as much as now,” said Watson. “After giving away that jacket last year, I wanted it back.”
Spieth and Sweden’s Jonas Blixt, each in his first Masters, shared second on 283 with 50-year-old Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez fourth on 284, Americans Rickie Fowler and Matt Kuchar sharing fifth on 286 and England’s Lee Westwood seventh on 287.
Until a PGA triumph two months ago at Riviera, Watson had not won any title since defeating Louis Oosthuizen in a playoff to win the 2012 Masters, a slump he blamed this week on a hangover effect from his first major crown.
But Watson bounced back in style this week in the year’s first major championship, becoming the 17th multiple winner of the Masters with his sixth career title.
“The first one for me, it’s almost like I lucked into it,” said Watson, while comparing his Masters triumphs. “This one was a lot of hard work.
“A small-town guy named Bubba now has two green jackets. That’s pretty wild.”
Hard luck for Spieth
Spieth, a 20-year-old Texan, was trying to become the youngest champion in Masters history.
He also could have become the first golfer to win the Masters on his first try since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 and the youngest major winner since Tom Creavy took the 1931 PGA Championship.
“It hurts right now,” said Spieth. “Didn’t come out on top but I can take a lot of positives out there.”
Tiger Woods remained atop the rankings as those able to overtake him – 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott, fellow Australian Jason Day and Swede Henrik Stenson – finished well back.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2014.
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