The Loop
Bubba Watson participates in Long Drive Contest at PGA Championship, world breathes sigh of relief
HAVEN, Wis. -- Remember Bubba Watson's protest to the PGA Championship's Long Drive Contest last year? OK, you probably don't, because the whole thing was ludicrous and blown out of proportion, but it was a source of controversy at Valhalla, one that's helped fuel the divisive reputation of Watson.
For those that need a refresher, the PGA brought back the Long Drive Contest in 2014 during the Tuesday practice round, with the winner's proceeds going to charity. On Valhalla's par-5 10th, Watson, one of the longest drivers on tour, took out an iron to protest the event, a decision that disappointed fans and raised eyebrows from critics.
Those eyebrows soon turned to head shakes when Watson tried to explain himself.
"I don't think we should have a competition like that while we are trying to learn the golf course," said Watson. This was conflicting with his play on the hole the rest of the week, where he took driver off the tee. Watson admitting he was trying to "prove a point" didn't help his cause, either.