First Masters win still on Bubba Watson's mind

Bubba Watson is fresh off a Masters Tournament title and all that goes with it. As he attempts to defend the green jacket this week, his thoughts still go back to the first trophy three years ago.

As Watson walked up No. 9 during Monday’s practice round, he turned to caddie Ted Scott and said he realized he was still trying to grasp his first win in 2012.

“You know, we’re talking about it and I just said, ‘Teddy, I can’t even believe it, I’m still trying to get over 2012, and I haven’t even got to 2014 yet,’” Watson said.

The lefty’s 2014 victory was without the playoff-fueled drama of 2012. He posted three rounds in the 60s and finishing at 8-under, three strokes ahead of Jonas Blixt and Jordan Spieth.

Watson birdied Nos. 8 and 9 to gain a two-stroke lead he never lost on the final nine.

“If there’s any golf course I want to play, it’s this one,” he said. “So to have the green jacket twice wrapped around me, I still can’t believe it. It’s still an honor and thrill, and I can’t put it into words how special it is and crazy it is that I have two, two trophies at my house.”

Watson said he now has a better idea of what it takes to repeat as champion, which only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have done. It could be rare because of the atmosphere surrounding a win, Watson said.

“Sometimes you get away from your routine or you just use your energy in a different way,” said Watson, who finished tied for 50th in 2013 between his two wins. “That’s what I did. I don’t know about the other guys, but that’s what I did.”

Watson, who became the 17th player in Masters history to win at least two green jackets, has been hot to start the PGA Tour season. He has four top-10 finishes in five events, including three in the top five, and he won the WGC-HSBC Champions in November.

He enters the Masters playing well and knowing what it takes to hold a lead in the final round. He also has the peace of mind of understanding what it takes to win multiple times in Augusta.

“Obviously, feeling the pressure at Augusta, at a major, and winning it, I know that I can do it,” he said. “You’re still nervous, but at least I have a little bit of help knowing that I have won a major a couple times.”