Bubba Watson, the golfing sensation, has demonstrated he's still a force to be reckoned with at this week's Indonesian Masters on the Asian Tour, offering hope to his RangeGoats team and LIV Golf.
Following a lacklustre 2024 season with LIV that saw him relegated from the league, Watson is seeking a comeback in 2025 through the Asian Tour's International Series.
The double Masters champion took a rare break from the LIV league this week (excluding major championships), only his second in two years, and it appears to have been a smart move. With initial scores of two-under-par 70 and five-under 67, Watson maintained his strong form into the third round, which proved to be quite an eventful day for the Florida-born golfer.
A seven-under 65 on Saturday was crowned with a hole-in-one at the par-three 11th, a moment Watson will always remember. Not only did it mark a one on his scorecard, but it also resulted in tournament organisers donating a house to a local family in need, thanks to a scheme established for the event.
Another house was donated shortly afterwards when Phachara Khongwatmai followed Watson's example with an ace of his own, reports the Mirror.
The green jacket winner has had a crucial week, with his position in the LIV Golf series hanging by a thread. Despite facing relegation, Watson could still claw his way back onto the Saudi-backed tour in 2025 if his business proposal to the league's executives and his RangeGoats squad is approved.
"It's been a tough year," Watson conceded, reflecting on his departure from LIV Chicago last September. "But I think my teammates want me back and I'd like to be back. I know some discussions need to take place and there are some business considerations."
"We have one of the most popular teams. Am I part of that? I think I am and I'm committed to playing better."
Mirror Sports understands that an official decision on Watson's future with LIV and the RangeGoats is yet to be made, with announcements regarding the league's lineup and membership expected imminently.
Despite the likelihood of his return, Watson has acknowledged he's prepared to bow out if he doesn't make the grade. "I told my team if they don't think I am good enough to play, they can kick me out and we will put another good golfer in my place," he remarked last August following a difficult season in 2023.
"I am going to play until they kick me out. I love helping the young guys. They are all trying to be better and also better at golf. I get to influence three golfers in life, they are all parents and young dads. I want to be there for them and if they have a problem, I want to be able to help them."
