Masters Purse 2012: Bubba Watson Cashed in on Golf's Biggest Stage
Not only did Bubba Watson etch his name into Masters glory and enter himself into one of the most exclusive fraternities in the world with his winning of the green jacket this year, he also won a big payday.
Watson's historic performance and amazing shot on the sudden death 10th to save par earned him $1.44 million, easily the biggest check he's gotten since he turned pro in 2002.
The University of Georgia standout has already made more than $1.6 million this year. His win makes him the biggest PGA Tour money-winner so far this tour season.
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His biggest earning of the season so far came at the WGC Cadillac Championship, where he won more than $800,000 for finishing as the runner-up.
Watson wasn't the only golfer to get a big payday after their performance at Augusta National. Runner-up Louis Oosthuizen made $840,000 after going to a sudden death playoff which went just two holes after a brilliant Masters.
The four golfers who tied for third were Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Peter Hanson and Matt Kuchar. They all received $284,000 for their play.
If the glory and worldwide fame weren't enough for these runners-up to grimace at their wasted opportunity of being able to win the Masters, then these numbers will. Ironically enough, Mickelson's woeful triple bogey on the fourth hole ended up costing him about $1.2 million.
Watson was in the second-to-last pairing entering the final round of Augusta National, and used his position to make a run in the back-nine that included four consecutive birdies on 13, 14, 15 and 16.
His glorious shot on the sudden death 10th hole was similar to shooting a golf ball from your front yard to your backyard, but having to shoot it around your house instead of over it.
He used that green placement to two-putt his way to a Masters victory after Oosthuizen struggled reaching the green and couldn't land a 12-foot putt to make par.
Watson should be crying a few more tears of joy after he receives his next bank statement.
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