Players on the cusp at the Northern Trust
By Bill Felber
71. Bubba Watson
Watson’s standing just outside the BMW qualifying line is built on a succession of decent but non-contending performances.
That’s been the particular hallmark of the calendar 2021 portion of Watson’s season. Following three fall Tour top 10s, Watson’s work has generated just three more top 10s, but only three missed cuts, none since March.
Watson has always been renowned for his ability to whack the ball long and straight, and that’s still his best asset. He averages a gain of nearly seven-tenths of a stroke per round against the field off the tee, the eighth best performance on Tour.
The problem is with his putter. Watson ranks 153rd in that category this season. But there is reason to be hopeful. In his five starts since the U.S. Open, Watson has actually somewhat tamed that putter, generating results with that club that have actually been modestly positive.
Five starts probably isn’t enough to draw reliable conclusions. But it at least provides a reason for Watson fans to hope.
Watson may also have motivation on his side. He’s been on the cusp twice before, once with success and once without. Last season he followed a top 20 at the Northern Trust with a top 20 at the BMW, starting 66th and climbing to 58th. In 2019 Watson began Tour Championship play in 71st place, but played poorly at the Northern and finished 81st.
He faces a third such bout with the cusp this year.