I occasionally play what’s known as “Army Golf:” left, right, left, right. This rarely wins me any money or praise.
But Bubba Watson, yesterday’s winner of the most exciting Masters tournament in years, won a lot of both by displaying poise in the face of crushing pressure that would’ve made an old Green Beret proud.
Unfortunately, his father Gerry Watson, a former Army Green Beret, passed away in the fall of 2010 from cancer. Asked in a post-victory press conference what his dad would say to him after the round, Bubba said, “He’d tell me I still need to practice since I missed several fairways.” That’s an elite warrior, for you.
Earl Woods, the man who nicknamed his son “Tiger” after a Vietnamese solider with whom he fought in battle, would undoubtedly agree with Mr. Watson. I imagine he might also have a word or two for his bratty son, whose kicking of his golf club fifteen-yards down the fairway after a bad shot brought major criticism from CBS sportscasters.
Phil Mickelson’s father served as a U.S. Navy pilot.
What is it about military men raising champions at Augusta?
By the way, Bubba Watson raises money for The Green Beret Foundation.