Watson celebrates win at Waffle House

Forget steak and lobster. A late-night Waffle House celebratory meal and Steak n’ Shake milkshake suited 2014 Masters champion Bubba Watson.

After winning the green jacket and $1.6 million, Watson feasted on a double grilled cheese with a side of hashbrowns scattered and covered at the Waffle House on Wheeler Road near Doctors Hospital. He also made an 11:55 p.m. trip to Steak n’ Shake off South Belair Road for six milkshakes.

The Waffle House counter was still buzzing Tuesday morning with chatter about the champion’s meal.

“Is it true Bubba Watson went to Waffle House?” one customer asked.

“Where’d he sit?” another inquired.

Hours after winning the golf tournament, Watson posted a “selfie” photo on Twitter of his meal with his wife, Angie, and several friends. The group sat in a booth near the windows.

“He just had a simple meal. He and his group had a good time,” unit manager Ken Knotts said.

Knotts was not working the third shift when Watson dined, but Waffle House’s communications policy prohibited employees other than management to speak to the media.

Watson’s green jacket was notably absent. His waiter did not know he was serving the Masters champion until the end of the meal when Watson asked the waiter to be in a photo, Knotts said.

A waitress told a customer Tuesday morning that Watson left a $148 tip on the bill. When asked to confirm the amount, Knotts declined to say how big the tip was but said three employees split the money.

“It was above and beyond what would have normally been shared,” Knotts said. “Bubba was just so gracious about everything.”

Steak n’ Shake franchise owner Preston Moss said Watson left a $24 tip on his milkshake bill.