Bubbalicious

Farmers Insurance Open

            Pundits will argue about whether or not Bubba won it or Phil lost it and regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, it was an exciting round of golf to watch. Tiger started and left early and failed to match cards with eighteen year old amateur Anthony Paolucci who bettered him by two. Bill Haas had a share of the lead on the tee of the first hole and that’s the last time he saw it. He made bogey on one and went on to shoot a three over 75. Newlywed, Hunter Mahan was one back to start and poised to strike; but shot a one over 73 and tied for sixth. Anthony Kim started two strokes back but followed his third round 71 with an even par 72 and tied for sixth.  

As the day drew to a close, only three were left to battle—Mickelson, Watson, and Vegas. Vegas, still riding the wave of momentum from his win at the Hope last week was a threat from the start; birdying two of first four holes. Unfortunately, as good as his start was, his hopes drowned in Devlin's Billabong that fronts the eighteenth green. Peter Kostis perhaps put it best when describing Vegas’ humble beginnings, “There’s a difference between wanted to play well and having to play well.” There is a lot of Trevino in this kid and it’s certain that we will see a lot more of him in the near future.

Phil’s bogey on fourteen was no doubt the difference, but the real momentum killer was when he lipped-out his eagle attempt on thirteen. The birdie-birdie finish was valiant, and having his caddie Bones pull the flag for a 70 yard pitch shot was classic Phil. It was just not enough in the end. Instead, it was Bubba Watson wielding his pink driver like a giant, petrified stick of bubble gum. He averaged 314 yards off the tee and played the par fives in seven under for the weekend. Perhaps his eagle on the eighteenth in the third round was the real jumpstart he needed for the final round. After Phil failed to hole out from the fairway for the outright win, Bubba said, he’ll “probably cry all day…” and that’s alright because his dad will be crying with him from above.

Bubba Watson -16

Phil Mickelson -15

Dustin Johnson -13

Jhonattan Vegas -13

D.A. Points     -12