Bubba Watson will put his ‘opinion’ aside and compete in PGA long-drive
Against his better judgment, Bubba Watson is going to compete in the Tuesday long-drive contest at next week’s PGA Championship.
A year ago at Valhalla, Watson, one of the longest hitters in the professional game, was a vocal opponent of the resurrected exhibition that was a mere stopping point during a practice round. Rather than blasting a driver and trying to win, Watson merely teed up a 3-iron and hit it down the hole in spite.
“I’m there to play golf, not to hit it far,” Watson said at the time.
Realizing there would be more backlash if he didn’t compete again this year at Whistling Straits, Watson is going to compete. However, he’ll do it biting his tongue — sort of.
“Yes, I’m going to hit it,” Watson said Friday after a second-round, 4-under 66 that has him tied for second through two rounds of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
“It made big drama last year for no reason because I stated my opinion. It’s sad that my opinion is obviously wrong at everything I do, but yes, I’m going to hit the tee shot because I understand it means more to do that than worry about my opinion. My opinion means nothing, as long as my family’s happy.”
However, there is still one way Watson could skip the contest: If he overcomes the four-shot deficit he faces against leader Jim Furyk and wins at Firestone Country Club.
“If I win this week, no, because I’m not playing any practice rounds,” Watson said. “Let’s go ahead and put it out there. No practice rounds if I win.”
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
