B. Watson not worried about potential change to Augusta Nat’l’s 13th
Bubba Watson isn’t worried about any potential “Bubba-proofing” at the Masters.
Watson was asked Tuesday about a Golfweek report, citing a source, saying Augusta National Golf Club was in process of making a deal with neighboring Augusta Country Club to purchase some of the club’s current ninth hole so that the home of the Masters, among other things, could lengthen the par-5 13th.
“If they change it, they have always changed stuff in the right direction,” Watson said at the WGC-Cadillac Championship. “It’s a cut hole. For me I have to hit driver, because it’s a cut; the cut goes shorter. Still cut driver. It’s not going to change anything, might be more lay-ups.”
With the acquisition, Augusta National could bring back the 13th tee some 50 yards, making it play closer to 560 yards. That would make the hole a little more difficult for the two-time Masters winner who, when he won his second green jacket in 2014, hit driver-wedge into the dogleg-left hole. The added length would take wedge out of Watson’s hand and likely replace it with an 8- or 7-iron.
Watson doesn’t have much reason to worry about any looming changes to the club. He won the Northern Trust Open two weeks ago, something he did ahead of winning the Masters back in 2014.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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