Bubba Watson Reveals His ‘Selfish Reasons’ Behind Seeking LIV Golf Riches Amid Injury Recovery

Injury woes had long been a curse for the Range Goats GC captain. Even after making a comeback from the gruesome knee injury that he suffered back in 2022, the return on the greens was not as gratifying as the 45-year-old expected. Although he was aware of the risks the surgery would have on his game, missing the top ten positions on the leaderboard seven times in a row was not on the bucket list of Bubba Watson.

Hoping to hit the refresh button on his scores and rankings with the start of the new season of the breakaway league. As the second event on the LIV Golf calendar kicks off at “Neon City,” the two-time Masters winner chose to reveal his “selfish” goals and what he aims for his 22-year career moving forward.

Bubba Watson’s “two-year process” of contending again

Bubba Watson made his long-awaited debut on the Saudi circuit after recovering from a detached meniscus in his knees. The severity of the injury was such that it kept the 12-time PGA Tour winner away from the greens for 8 long months and then pushed his excellent game away from the tops of the leaderboard.

However, playing the second full edition of the breakaway league, Watson feels great about getting T3 at the LIV Golf Las Vegas after the first round. Even after facing numerous difficulties in the previous season, Watson’s drive and ambition made him yearn for challenges, as he stated, “I wanted a challenge. I want to lift a trophy, not only for the team but also for me personally, selfish reasons, that I want to prove to myself that I can play golf at a high level still.

Going into the surgery in June 2022, Watson said he knew that “It was going to be a two-year process to get to 100 percent or 95 percent.” However, it was the only way the Floridian could continue to play. Fast forward to LIV Golf’s season opener, and Watson went on to secure a T21 on the Mexican greens, which is better than he did in the last seven runs.

The 2014 Masters champion described the El Camaleon as a “tough course” and that he battled to get a bit closer to the leaderboard. Though at Las Vegas and in the coming events, Watson is aiming to have his name called out “more than once later in the week each tournament.” Another goal on Watson’s agenda is to see pink on the leaderboard more and win the team event as well.

Bubba Watson brews with excitement 

Three out of the top five on the Las Vegas leaderboard are Range Goats GC’s members. Tied with their captain are Thomas Pieters and Matthew Wolff at third. As his teammates sail through both the team event and the individual game, Watson is undoubtedly “thrilled” for the event.

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Range Goats is leading the Las Vegas leaderboard and contending to win the first team event after their 2023 LIV Golf Singapore victory. Watson is “fired up,” meaning to play better, and does not want to lose “4-under” to any team. The captain is boosted and so is the team. Will the man in pink lift any trophy at Las Vegas Country Club?

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