Bubba Watson has shown glimmers of hope at this weekend’s LIV Golf UK event in Rocester, as he looks to bounce back from hard times on the three-year-old breakaway circuit
Bubba Watson has noted how he has struggled both on and off the course recently, but looks to have returned to his best at LIV Golf UK. It’s been an encouraging week for the RangeGoats captain in Rocester, who is on track for his highest finish since moving over to the breakaway league from the PGA Tour in 2022.
In the years since, Watson has struggled with injury and dips in form, even finishing in the relegation zone last season. But after presenting a compelling “business case” to the league and his team, he ultimately saw his spot on the roster reinstated for 2024.
Reflecting on a challenging time, Watson told the press: “The last couple of years, it’s been a struggle. Been a struggle mentally, physically, and golf-wise. You want to play better, right?”
He added: “I want to have a strong finish to the year, and I see that I can do it. Now, will I do it? That is the question. But I would love to finish in the top 20, if not better, and have a chance to win and then challenge the Team Championship in match play.
“All of this is a positive step forward in my career. Obviously, the better I finish, the better it is for me, the team, and everything else. Yeah, I’m going to get out there and battle. Second place right now looks like it’s a good place to finish. It’s going to be a battle for the second place, if nothing else.”
Watson’s words are clearly a testament to a solid mentality, and he has utilised his struggles as a launch pad to bounce back in form. However, his new caddie Kyle Peters has also played his own role in helping the 46-year-old find his feet again.
Peters joined Watson for the 2025 season, having previously worked with PGA Tour luminary Corey Conners. And the LIV star has credited his new looper for improvements in his game, particularly on the green.
He said: “I’m making the putts,” adding: “Obviously, caddie change. Listening to him on the greens, working with him on my putting, it’s been fun. It’s energized me.
“I feel like a young kid out here learning the game all over again. It’s exciting, and I’ve been calm, working on the mental side of it, and I’ve been calm out there on the golf course, and it’s paying off.”