For a major championship that prides itself on the purest forms of world class golf, there was irony in the fact that 2012 champion Bubba Watson has never had a golf lesson. The Scottsdale resident, unlike many players on Tour, does not have a swing coach and with his first Major win confirmed artistry can sometimes usurp taught swing mechanics. Earning a place in the play-off with South African and 2010 Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen, Watston produced a moment that Seve Ballesteros would ve admired on the second play-off hole. Watson found an angle and a sharp hook out of the pine straw that few other players would attempt. It was, as many put it, a shot that you don t find in too many lockers. But the shot found the green at the majestic tenth hole and, with Louis Oosthuizen s stumble, gave Watson two putts for the Green Jacket. In truth, this win was coming. Few would have expected it to come at Augusta National though, where accuracy and steely nerves are crucial a place where Watson s unconventional drive lines may have found trouble. His form in 2012 has been exceptional; a tie for 18th his worst finish. His Masters victory was his third straight top 4 finish. With his final round 68, Watson was the only player in the field to complete all four rounds under par. His back nine charge held similarities to that of Charl Schwartzel s in 2011. Four consecutive birdies from holes 13-16 ensured his fight back with Oosthuizen would be complete. Watson s mantra, both at Augusta and in general is: If I have a swing, I have a shot and Bubba had plenty of them in the play-off victory. With the win, Watson moves to World Number 4 on the Official World Golf Rankings. On one of golf’s greatest stages, it was fitting that a moment of pure skill and theatre stole the show. BUBBA WATSON AGE: 33 WORLD RANKING: 4 PGA TOUR WINS: 4 2012 Masters Tournament 2011 Farmers Insurance Open 2011 Zurich Classic of New Orleans 2010 Travelers Championship
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