Bubba Watson is one day from beginning his defense of his Masters title. The returning champion is attempting not to peak too early as he goes through practice rounds leading up to the tournament. While getting familiar with Augusta National during a Wednesday practice session, Watson approach hole 16 and proceeded to make a hole-in-one.
While he would have preferred this type of shot happen during actual competition play, it certainly gave the fans something to cheer about. The par-3 is about 160 yards long. Watson used a 9-iron to knock in the memorable shot. There was little cheering when the shot took place since it was difficult to see the flag, but playing partner Scott Piercy was impressed.
"It was pretty sweet. He flagged it. Kind of gave it the lean, 'Go in.'...Arms in the air, big smile," Piercy said of the shot.
Watson's good fortune continues at Augusta National with the hole-in-one. His caddie said it was Watson's third hole-in-one in his career. Watson himself made no attempt to brag or celebrate the shot, continuing on with play. It was the 15th time the No. 16 hole has been aced in Masters history, including two times last year.
The hole-in-one in no way correlates with Watson's playing chances this weekend. While the Par 3 contest is normally a good predictor of Master's success, a aced hole in practice means almost nothing except a fun memory for the golfer. The shot does show how well Watson has been playing leading up to the tournament. Piercy noted that Watson had been practicing with his 9-iron all day so it was no surprise the shot came off that club.
In last year's tournament, Bo Van Pelt and Adam Scott both made hole-in-ones on 16. In the history of the Master's, there have been three aces at No. 12, four on No.16 and one on No.6.Watson will begin his official defense of the green jacket on Thursday with a 10:30 tee time. He is in a grouping that consists of Ian Poulter and U.S. Amateur champion Steve Fox.
While he may not have spoken much on the big shot, but he did indicate he kept the ball.
