Watch the complete final round and playoff broadcast of the 2012 Masters. Bubba Watson defeats Louis Oosthuizen on the second playoff hole.
Bubba Watson’s Triumph at the 2012 Masters: A Sudden-Death Playoff for the Ages
The Masters Tournament, one of golf’s most prestigious events, has seen its fair share of dramatic moments and thrilling finishes.
In 2012, the 76th edition of this iconic tournament delivered yet another unforgettable chapter in its storied history.
Bubba Watson, a name that would soon be etched in golfing glory, emerged as the victor in a nail-biting sudden-death playoff against Louis Oosthuizen.
Let’s revisit this remarkable tournament and the memorable moments that unfolded at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, from April 5 to April 8, 2012.
Bubba Watson’s Maiden Major Win
Bubba Watson, known for his extraordinary shot-making abilities, secured his first major championship at the 2012 Masters.
The thrilling finale saw Watson defeating Louis Oosthuizen on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff.
It was not only his first major title but also his fourth PGA Tour victory.
Watson’s triumph marked a significant milestone, as he became the eighth consecutive first-time major champion, highlighting the fierce competition at the Masters during that era.
Little did fans know that Bubba Watson’s journey to major glory was far from over, as he would go on to win a second Masters title in 2014, cementing his place among golf’s elite.
Notable Performances and Surprises
The 2012 Masters featured some notable performances and surprising turns of events.
Two pre-tournament favorites, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, found themselves tied for 40th place with a score of 293 (+5).
Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, was in contention during the final round but suffered a setback with a triple-bogey six on the fourth hole.
Mickelson ultimately finished two strokes behind, in a four-way tie for third.
One of the most remarkable moments came from Bo Van Pelt, who posted the lowest round of the tournament with a scintillating 64 (-8) on Sunday.
This stellar performance catapulted him up the leaderboard, improving 35 places and securing a tie for 17th.
A Playoff for the Ages
The 2012 Masters Tournament added another thrilling playoff to its history, the first in three years.
Ángel Cabrera had won the previous playoff in 2009 on the second extra hole.
This time, it was Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen who would battle it out for the coveted green jacket.
In a tense and dramatic showdown, Watson and Oosthuizen found themselves deadlocked at −10 after 72 holes.
Both players parred the 17th hole and reached the 18th green in regulation.
Oosthuizen had a 35-foot birdie putt opportunity, but it was Watson who had a 25-foot putt for his first major victory.
Unfortunately, Watson narrowly missed his putt on the high side. However, when Oosthuizen coolly sank his four-footer, it set the stage for a sudden-death playoff.
The Playoff Drama
The playoff commenced at the challenging par-4 18th hole, a location that had witnessed countless historic moments in Masters history.
Both contenders showcased their nerves of steel by finding the fairway and landing safely on the green.
As déjà vu would have it, Bubba Watson once again found himself in a more favorable position closer to the pin than his rival, Louis Oosthuizen.
Oosthuizen, displaying unwavering determination, attempted an 18-foot (5.5 m) birdie putt that, agonizingly for him, just missed its mark.
The miss opened the door for Watson, who stood 16 feet (5 m) away from glory.
However, his putt traveled low throughout its journey and ended in disappointment.
The tension continued to mount as both players tapped in to remain deadlocked, setting the stage for the next chapter in this gripping battle.
A Decisive Turn: The drama escalated as the contestants headed to the downhill par-4 10th hole, where fortunes would take an unexpected twist.
Both Watson and Oosthuizen encountered difficulties with their drives, sending them veering to the right of the fairway.
Oosthuizen’s second shot fell short of the green, adding to the pressure of the moment.
But it was Bubba Watson, the left-handed magician, who found himself in an almost mythical predicament.
Buried deep in the pine straw, deep within the woods, he faced an almost insurmountable challenge.
Undeterred, Watson executed a shot that will be etched in golfing lore. His approach shot, executed with an incredible 90-degree hook, defied the odds and landed within an astonishing 10 feet (3 m) of the hole.
Oosthuizen, displaying remarkable poise, chipped his way to the back of the green but narrowly missed his par-saving putt.
This pivotal moment gave Bubba Watson the chance he had been waiting for, as he now had two putts to clinch the Masters title.
The Moment of Victory: With the world watching, Watson demonstrated composure beyond his years.
He calmly lagged his first putt to within a foot (0.3 m) of the hole, securing a stress-free tap-in for the win.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Watson tapped in, sealing his destiny as the Masters champion of 2012.
