Bubba Watson with the trophy on Sunday. (Photo: AFP)
Bubba Watson with the trophy on Sunday. (Photo: AFP)
Bubba Watson knew the day was coming. He just didn’t expect it to happen in Los Angeles as he was getting ready to play in the Northern Trust Open.
Watson’s wild week in Southern California started with an unavoidable trip to the doctor to deal with a kidney stone and ended with the two-time Masters champion celebrating his ninth career PGA Tour victory. “Five years ago (my doctor) said there was one more in my system and obviously it decided this week. My baby came out, I guess,” Watson said after shooting a three-under 68 to win the Northern Trust Open by one stroke on Sunday.
The two-time Masters winner now heads to the first major championship of the season at Augusta National in seven weeks looking for his third green jacket.
Watson’s playing partner, Jason Kokrak, fell just short in his quest for his first PGA title, closing with a 68 to finish at 14 under and share second with Adam Scott (67).
Meanwhile, Anirban Lahiri was hit by late bogeys (on the 12th, 15th and 16th) as he slid from a potential top-20 finish to tied 39th.
Watson said it is the second kidney stone he has passed in his life. The first one was discovered five years ago when he was playing in New Orleans and had to take a bathroom break. “I took the break on the 16th hole. And the nicest way of saying it is, red liquid came out. And I called (my wife) Angie over and I said, ‘We need to call a doctor, something’s going on.’ We flew home. They said it’s a kidney stone.”
Watson said he felt the same discomfort last Sunday while playing with the kids. So he called his physician and arrangements were made for him to see a doctor in Los Angeles as soon as he arrived.
