Bubba Watson will roll into Augusta strong

As a big Dukes of Hazzard fan, Bubba Watson is still enjoying his $110,000 purchase.

At an auction in January, he bought one of the original Gene­ral Lee Dodge Chargers used in the classic television show. He drove the car – which features orange paint, “01” on the doors and the Con­federate flag on the roof – to the Phoenix Open.

“Every time I get in it, it just puts a smile on my face because of what it is,” Watson said. “It’s an American icon. Who doesn’t want to have a car that’s known for jumping and running around in the dirt?”

When Watson returns for his fourth trip to Augusta Nation­al Golf Club this week, he will not do so in his famous car, for several reasons. The Florida native moved four years ago to Scottsdale, Ariz., and even if he lived on the East Coast, he wouldn’t drive the General Lee down Magnolia Lane.

“I don’t think we would do it there,” said Watson, 33. “It’s about the sport. It’s not about the car at that point. When you go to a major like that, it’s all about being serious and being focused.”

Watson has shown some serious focus this year, starting it with five consecutive top-20 finishes. He hopes the hot start will translate to Masters Tournament success. The left-hander’s best showing is a tie for 20th in 2008.

“I’m playing really good,” he said. “I just haven’t made the putts. I’m going in the right direction and I’m still going forward.”

Watson has already enjoyed a highlight off the course this year – when University of Georgia women’s basketball coach Andy Landers paid off a bet between the two. In the fall, Landers challenged Watson, saying he couldn’t hit a golf ball out of Sanford Stadium. If he did, Landers would let Watson be an assistant coach for one game.

After teeing up a ball in the end zone near the bridge, Watson ripped his drive over the field, over the goal posts and well over the seats on the other side.

Watson said he wasn’t exactly sure how far the ball traveled but that 350 yards sounds like a good number.

“It went out of there pretty quick and pretty far,” he said.

Watson, a Georgia alumnus whose wife, Angie, played for Landers, sat on the sidelines in late February, and the Lady Bulldogs won their Senior Day game against Louisiana State, 62-46.

“It was a blast,” Watson said. “I love basketball. I love watching it. For me to go back and be a part of my school and coach letting me do that, it was fun.”

Watson looks to have more fun this week. And he’ll enjoy his muscle car more when it’s fully renovated. He plans to restore it to its condition in 1969, with the addition of a back seat, carpet, seat belts and working gauges.

“It needs a lot of love to it,” he said.