5 Questions With Bubba Watson

February 11, 2015

The SCGA caught up with Northern Trust Open reigning champ Bubba Watson at Media Day Wednesday. The two-time Masters champion will look to defend his title at Riviera CC later this month.

What brings you back to the Northern Trust Open each year?

It's played at a golf course that I love, in a community that I love. I never miss this tournament.

Coming back as the defending champion, how does that change things?

There's obviously a lot more media attention. More fan attention. You just really have to focus on what you can do. You don't see many defending champions win on TOUR. I've never done it. The key is just to have a chance on Sunday. This year I took a week off leading up to the tournament so that I could be at my optimal energy level.

What do you love about Los Angeles?

Well, you've got the Clippers! But it really is a great city. With the music and movie industry, great sports teams, diversity, great food. It's just a fun place to be.

What do you love about Riviera CC?

I love the golf course. We keep making golf courses longer as pros get better, but why? Riviera hasn't changed. They say, 'here's our course, just play it" and you don't see scores that are extremely low. Courses like that let the pros show their skills, and Riviera might do the best job of that.

What will it take to defend your title this year?

It'll come down to my putting. Last year I didn't miss a putt inside 8 ft. all weekend, helping me to back-to-back rounds of 64. I've been hitting my driver really well. Putting is my biggest challenge.

Media Day was held at City of Hope in Duarte, Calif. City of Hope has been the official charity of the Northern Trust Open since 2013. Last year alone the Northern Trust Open donated $2.1 million to local charities.