Masters week is finally upon us, and Bubba Watson will be looking to defend his green jacket. Let’s just hope he doesn’t wind up having to defend himself in the parking lot.
Watson, who won the Masters last year and in 2012, was recently voted as the most disliked player on the PGA Tour by his fellow golfers. Well, kind of.
An ESPN.com poll surveyed 103 tour pros (21 major champions) and asked them a variety of serious and lighthearted questions. One of the questions asked golfers which of their peers they would be least likely to assist in the event that a fight broke out in the parking lot. Bubba’s name showed up the most.
Bubba, PReed, Hawaii 5-0 and Old Faithful, Rory Sabbatini. pic.twitter.com/ErB5T8ziYw
— Chris Chaney (@Wrong_Fairway) April 6, 2015
There are plenty of people who like Watson because of his unorthodox style of play and seemingly great sense of humor (remember those hilarious “Golf Boys” videos?). However, Bubba rubbed some people the wrong way when he basically threw a hissy fit last year because he didn’t want to take part in a long drive competition. He has also been known to berate his caddy when things don’t go his way on the course.
At the end of the day, Bubba is the type of polarizing personality golf needs to remain relevant as the sport transitions toward the post-Tiger Woods era. He’s probably not surprised some of his peers dislike him. Or, Watson could just assume no one would help him in a parking lot fight because they feel he can hold his own. That’s how I’d look at it.
