Going Long
BUBBA WATSON ENJOYED a relatively drama-free stroll through Augusta's final nine holes at the Masters, but to say he coasted to victory would be misleading. Watson crushed to victory. The lanky lefty led the Masters in driving distance (305.6-yard average), and his go-to shot is a towering, right-to-left cut, which just so happens to be the perfect shape for several of Augusta's key holes, including the 10th, 11th, 13th and 15th. Watson finished eight under and was eight under on the par-5s. In the final round, on No. 13, he carved a 366-yard drive around the corner and hit a simple wedge shot for an easy birdie. Bubba's golf game is a perfect fit for Augusta the same way those green jackets are tailor-made for his shoulders. Watson might slip on a few more of those coats before his career is over.
INSTRUCTION BY PETER KRAUSE, Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher
1
His club doesn't touch the ground at address, which means he doesn't have to hang on too tight. Tension is a distance-killer. Bubba is loose.
2
Bubba is old-school in that his front foot comes off the ground, which allows him to make an even bigger hip turn. He has one of the biggest hip turns on Tour.
3
In his downswing, he fires his hips and creates a whipping action with his hands and wrists, building energy in the shaft. His height (6'3") helps add speed.
4
His timing is phenomenal. The shaft releases and the club is perfectly square at impact. Make no mistake: He's trying to hit it hard.
5
He gets to a full finish, with hands high and his weight on his front side. He curves the ball by either holding the face open (cut) or turning it over (draw).
THE LONGEST DRIVERS ON THE PGA TOUR
[The following text appears within a diagram. Please see hardcopy or PDF for actual diagram.]
• NICOLAS COLSAERTS
306.9 YARDS
• SCOTT PIERCY
307.0 YARDS
• DUSTIN JOHNSON
309.1 YARDS
• BUBBA WATSON
315.4 YARDS
PHOTO
ANGUS MURRAY
Big Turn Watson finishes with his hips facing the target.
FOUR PHOTOS
ANGUS MURRAY
DIAGRAM