Darkest fears exposed, Bubba at peace at Masters

Fourth-ranked Bubba Watson, who unveiled his deepest fears to a national television audience last weekend, is peaceful and relaxed this week while seeking a third Masters victory in five seasons.

The long-driving left-hander, who captured the green jacket symbolic of Masters supremacy in 2012 and 2014, is practicing a bit less and resting a bit more ahead of Thursday's start at Augusta National, where he will play the first 36 holes alongside England's Ian Poulter and South African Branden Grace.

"I am totally at peace," he said. "I've won two Masters. And I always wanted to win 10 tournaments."

The 37-year-old Floridian captured his 10th crown in February at Riviera, but has been largely overshadowed in pre-Masters hype thanks to Jordan Spieth's record-shattering win last year and two triumphs each for Australians Jason Day and Adam Scott in pre-Masters tournaments.

"That's good," Watson said of being under the radar. "I'm hoping it works out that way again as two years ago. Hopefully I get in the mix."

Watson was profiled Sunday in an extensive interview on "60 Minutes" and spoke about his mindset and inner-most worries.

"I have a lot of mental issues," Watson told the CBS network show. "I just am so fearful of things, which I shouldn't be, right?

"Scared of heights. Scared of buildings falling on me. Scared of the dark. Scared of crowds. Those are my biggest issues."

It's impossible for Watson to play a tournament and not be surrounded by people, notably in the narrow passages for players between holes where fans crowd near.

"In between holes is really scary to me because there are so many people that close to you," Watson told the show. "I'm just scared of people in general."

But he said Tuesday that he has no fear of rivals or spectators trying to use his admitted worries against him at the Masters.

"I'm not worried about other people," Watson said. "I'm not trying to impress any of the people."

And he said he wasn't trying to unburden himself, just answer the questions put to him.

"It was good to show the issues I have," he said. "No, I don't want anybody to know my deep dark secrets. But I'm not going to hide anything. My dark secrets aren't that dark."

Watson has been struck this week by a sinus infection that kept him off the course Monday, but eased enough to allow 18 holes on Tuesday.

"In roughly a 30-something hour period I was two hours off my bed," Watson said. "For me to get to this point I'm already ahead of the game."
Source: AFP