How many majors can Bubba Watson win?
This was no classic Masters, but it was certainly validation for Gerry Watson, the 35-year-old golf phenom from Baghdad, Florida.
Called Bubba since he was a baby in the hospital, he backed up his playoff win of two years ago by dominating the 78th staging of the Masters, here at Augusta National.
Judging by his performance, which was both strategic and entertaining, he has the tools to win several more Green Jackets and there won't really be a way to Bubba-proof the course.
The classic example was on the dogleg par-five 13th hole in the final round. Watson unleashed a towering, curving drive over the corner of the hole with such ferocity that TV viewers and spectators could only gasp at such a display of talent, smothered in brute force.
The drive was over 360 yards, on one of the most testing, iconic holes at Augusta National! Given the intensity with which the game is played at the top level and the circumstances (he was two shots ahead of playing partner Jordan Spieth, who had just bogeyed the par-three 12th), Watson brought "Amen Corner" to its knees.
Watson is built for success in the Masters and it would not be surprising to see him match Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer's four respective victories before the decade is out.
The question is whether he will win any of the game's other three majors. He was beaten in a playoff for the 2010 PGA Championship by Germany's Martin Kaymer, so it's fair to suggest that he will contend in that tournament many more times.
However, his game is not suitable to a U.S. Open, which is the ultimate, grinding test of golf: placing a premium on straight driving and huge patience. Bubba doesn't favor straight hitting, and the relentless test of a U.S. Open setup would wear him down.
A British Open victory could possibly be in his future, but links golf is not a natural fit, while the uncertain bounces on that terrain would take some serious getting used to for the high-hitting American.
On CNN's Living Golf show, we've been very fortunate to spend precious time with Bubba, his caddy Ted Scott and his manager Jens Beck (check out the driving lesson he gave me in our above Masters preview and you'll get an insight into his natural gifts!)
Theirs is a small team, dedicated to getting their man in peak condition for the biggest championships. They timed this one to perfection.
Watson and Scott even played a round together in advance of the Masters, giving the caddy a priceless edge in working out their game plan, and an even greater appreciation of the course.
Bubba had the tools to win again at Augusta, but it was a true team effort in working out how to stamp their authority on the tournament and most importantly, eke out the victory.
Mission accomplished. Well done Bubba!
What do you think of Bubba's Masters triumph? Let Shane know on Twitter or comment below.
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Bubba Watson worn autographed hat?
Golf has recently become a much more popular game to the world of sports. In recent years the game of golf has also seen an increase as a career choice, as golf programs and golf schools around the country make it that much easier to enter into the field.
James Parker
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