Wednesday 8 April 2015 11:06, UK
Defending Masters champion Bubba Watson believes he is better prepared than he was two years ago to defend his Green Jacket at Augusta this week.
The world No 3 would become only the fourth player in Masters history to successfully defend his title with victory, following on from 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus, four-time Augusta champion Tiger Woods and the only Englishman to win golf’s opening major of the year, Sir Nick Faldo.
A year after his shock first Masters win in 2012, where he defeated Louis Oosthuizen in a play-off, he admitted to struggling with the additional focus on him, but feels in a better place this time around.
"The media attention and the atmosphere, even a year later, you're excited about your win," Watson said on Tuesday. "I didn’t know what to expect.
“I was scared to death of the Champions Dinner in 2013 because you’re getting to sit with great champions, young and old, and have dinner with them.
“Sometimes you get away from your routine or you just use your energy in a different way. That's what I did. I don't know about the other guys, but that's what I did.”
The 36-year-old has been handed a place in one the feature groups for the first two rounds this week, alongside former major winner Justin Rose and South Korean Gunn Yang, the defending US Amateur champion.
Watson claimed a second Masters crown last year with a convincing three stroke victory over Jonas Blixt and Jordan Spieth and is keen to repeat the feat this week.
"This time I know what to expect. Doesn't mean I'm going to play better, just I know what to expect, I know how to save some energy.
"I know how things are going to happen in the Champions Dinner now. I know more. That doesn't mean it's going to help. It just means that I should be better prepared this time."
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