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• Defending Masters champion Bubba Watson talks Tiger and Rory
• “Game of golf ‘missing something’ without Woods,” said Watson
• On Rory: “He’s got his whole life to try and win the Masters”

BUBBA WATSON

Reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson has said golf is ‘missing something’ without Tiger Woods, as the former world No.1 continues his self-enforced lay-off.

The 36-year-old, who also won at Augusta back in 2012, lauded the 14-time major champion’s impact on the game and hopes he can make a return for the Masters in three weeks’ time.

Speaking in a teleconference last night, Bubba Watson said: “The game of golf is obviously missing something without Tiger Woods. He’s created jobs all around the game of golf, such as media and security, so when he shows up, it’s a bigger party.

“Everybody grows around him just because of what he’s created” – Bubba Watson

“Everybody, in general, grows around him just because of what he’s created, the buzz he’s created and the legacy he’s created for himself and the game of golf. He’s won, what, 80 tournaments and I’ve only got seven, so I’m still way behind him!”

Woods announced that he’ll miss the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week – a tournament he’s won eight times – meaning time is running out ahead of Augusta.

Current world No.1 Rory McIlroy is making his first appearance at Bay Hill this week though, with Bubba Watson dismissing any pressure that may be on himself or the Northern Irishman heading into the competition.

World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship - Round One

“I don’t have any pressure, I’ve already got two jackets. I call it as an accomplishment he’s trying to do,” Bubba Watson said.

“He’s so young. He’s going to have year after year after year to try and do this, to win a grand slam. At 25, I was barely keeping my tour card, that was my first year on tour so it shows what a talent he is.

“So I don’t see it as pressure. He’s got his whole life to try and win the Masters but obviously he’ll put pressure on himself. Who doesn’t want to be the youngest to win the grand slam?”

Bubba Watson also said he’ll be approaching the Masters with a completely different mindset to when he returned as reigning champion in 2013, after being slightly overwhelmed by the whole experience.

“This year, I know my routine and I know what I want and need to do”

He said: “In 2013, I was still a newcomer and trying to figure out, somehow, that I was Masters champion. I showed up at the champion’s dinner for the first time, was the honorary guy there, had to pay the bill for the dinner and sat at the head of the table. It was all a new experience.

“The media attention was different because you’re defending champ. A lot of things went on and I’m not making that as an excuse in my bad play, but I still made the cut.

“This year, I know my routine and I know what I want and need to do. So hopefully this time I can perform a little bit better and hopefully everything works out on Sunday and I’m in with a chance to win.”

Bubba Watson defends Masters title :: Your thoughts

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