Watson Nabs Hero World Challenge, Caddie Dies On Course
Published on December 7 2015 6:45 am
Last Updated on December 7 2015 6:45 am
A few years after Bubba Watson made it onto the PGA Tour, he started waking up early to play practice rounds with Tiger Woods. He didn't ask a lot of questions of the world's No. 1 player, who had 14 majors when he was 32.
"I learn by watching and listening," Watson said. "So I just watched. How would you not want to learn from the best player of our generation?"
Woods, the tournament host, was watching Sunday as Watson delivered a performance that looked familiar in its efficiency. Staked to a two-shot lead going into the final round, Watson made four birdies in seven holes and was never seriously challenged. He sailed to a 6-under 66 and a 3-shot victory over Patrick Reed at Albany Golf Club in the Hero World Challenge.
Watson wasn't planning to play this week. He turned down his invitation a few months ago because he didn't have a passport for his newly adopted daughter, Dakota, and asked the tournament to let him know if anyone withdrew. When PGA champion Jason Day backed out to stay home with his newborn daughter, Watson's wife was able to expedite all the right documents for the family to come to the Bahamas.
Veteran Caddie Dies On Golf Course
A veteran caddie who was working the final round of the Champions Tour qualifying tournament died from an apparent heart attack on Friday, the PGA Tour said.
Garry Hanchera, 64, who was caddying for Gene Jones, collapsed in the fairway of the 15th hole at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. Another player in the group, Mike Goodes, began CPR efforts before being aided by a caddie from a preceding group, the tour said.
Attempts to revive Hanchera were then made by the TPC Scottsdale staff with a defibrillator before an Emergency Management Team took over and transported the caddie to nearby HonorHealth Scottsdale Hospital.
Hanchera was pronounced dead at the hospital approximately an hour later, the tour said.
Play was suspended while emergency personnel treated Hanchera and was resumed later. Jones tied for 20th in the event, which gave exemptions onto the 2016 circuit for players 50-and-older.
