That’s how you bounce back, Bubba. After a forgettable missed cut at the US Open, Bubba Watson recovered in style at TPC River Highlands, shooting a final-round 67 and surviving a two-hole playoff against Paul Casey to win the Travelers Championship. “It’s really about who can stay focused and committed under pressure,” said Watson, who has often shown shakiness down the stretch. In the final round, Watson took back the lead from Brian Harman with a birdie-birdie start, and then seemed to seal it with a 40-foot eagle putt on the 13th. But Casey, whose day was spurred by an eagle from the fairway at the third, answered with two late birdies for a 65. When Watson’s loose bogey at 17 set up sudden-death, it was another challenge to the gifted left-hander’s ability to handle pressure. This time, Bubba didn’t fold, saying, “My mind was calm.” On the second playoff hole, it was Casey who stumbled, blasting a greenside bunker shot into the gallery to give Watson his second victory of the US PGA Tour season. “If you’ve ever played golf, we’re all mental,” said Watson, his way of explaining Chambers Bay and Hartford. “It’s just who is better at that moment.”— Joel Beall
Bubba Watson
2015 Travelers Championship champion
Ball Titleist Pro V1x
Driver Ping G30 (Grafalloy BiMatrx), 9 degrees
3-Wood Ping G30, 14.5 degrees
7-Wood Ping G30, 19 degrees
Irons (4-PW) Ping S55
Wedges Ping Glide SS (52, 56 degrees);
Ping Glide TS (60 degrees)
Putter Ping Anser 1 Milled
Club Spotlight
As usual, when Watson wins, the driver plays a big role. Watson averaged 291 metres off the tee, ranking No.1 for the week, using his pink Ping G30 with a Grafalloy BiMatrx shaft. Yet there was another club in Watson’s bag that was perhaps more intriguing. Since the Players in May, Watson has carried a Ping G30 7-wood. Winning with it could end the stigma that the club is only for players who aren’t as skilled.
