USA
Watson was a non-playing LIV Golf captain in 2022 as he recovered from knee surgery, but he’s back in ’23. The big-hitting American won the hearts of fans across the world with his emotional reaction to winning the Masters in 2012, and he has now won 14 pro tournaments – including another Augusta triumph in 2014. Watson reached No.2 in the world in 2015, the highest rating for a left-hander, an honor he shares with Phil Mickelson.
Winner of 14 professional tournaments, including two Masters (2012, 2014)
Became the 17th player to win two or more Masters with his win in 2014
Reached a career-high ranking of world No. 2 in February 2015, joining Phil Mickelson as the highest-ranked left-handed golfers of all time
In addition to his two Masters win, he was in a playoff at the 2010 PGA Championship
Has played in four Ryder Cups for the USA, and was a vice-captain in 2016
Known as one of golf’s biggest hitters, his longest drive in competition is 424 yards
Has finished atop the driving distance category five times in his career
Became LIV Golf’s first non-playing captain in 2022 while recovering from knee surgery
WINS (2)
2012 Masters – Won his first major by beating Louis Oosthuizen on the second hole of a playoff. Produced one of the Masters’ most incredible recovery shots on the 10th hole, using a 52-degree gap wedge to hit a shot from the pine straw under the trees with 40 yards of hook. The ball stopped 15 feet from the pin; he then two-putted for par for the win. Said Watson: “I got in these trees and hit a crazy shot that I saw in my head and somehow I'm here talking to you with a green jacket on.”
2014 Masters – Entered the final round tied for the lead and won by three shots at 8 under. Shot 69-68 to take a three-shot lead after 36 holes but fell back with a third-round 74. Shot a final-round 69, taking the lead with four birdies in a six-hole stretch. Became the 17th player to win the Masters at least two times. Said Watson: “To win twice, to be with the great names that you just said; again, small‑town guy named Bubba now has two green jackets, it's pretty wild.”
STARTS AND FINISHES
Masters
Starts: 15
Best finish: Win (2012, 2014)
Top 10s: 3
Cuts made: 13
PGA Championship
Starts: 16
Best finish: 2nd (2010)
Top 10s: 1
Cuts made: 10
U.S. Open
Starts: 15
Best finish: 5th (2007)
Top 10s: 1
Cuts made: 7
Open Championship
Starts: 11
Best finish: 23rd (2012)
Top 10s: 0
Cuts made: 6
RYDER CUP HISTORY (Team USA)
Appearances (4): 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018
Record (wins, losses, halves): 4-10-0
Total matches: 14
Singles (W-L-H): 0-4-0
Foursomes (W-L-H): 1-3-0
Four-balls (W-L-H): 3-3-0
