Masters 2012: Bubba Watson Has Emerged as Major Golfing Force

It took nine years on the tour, but Bubba Watson can finally be called a major player on pro golf tour after earning his first major title at this year's Masters tournament.

Watson was strong throughout the entire tournament, but it was his ability to keep going each day that was so impressive. Watson came into the fourth day six-under par, and at first it seemed like the pressure of winning it all potentially got to him as he bogeyed the first hole of the day.

Instead of falling completely apart, Watson kept his composure, finding two birdies on the front nine while parring everything else.

His back nine was much better, especially considering the increased pressure going into the final moments of the day. 

It seemed as though he was starting to fall apart as he bogeyed once again, this time on the par-3 12th hole. Instead of completely falling apart, Watson stormed back to record four straight birdies.

The playoff against Louis Oosthuizen wasn't any easier. Watson had a chance to lock it all up after his opponent missed his birdie put to take the lead. Watson missed his put, which forced them to go to another hole.

Watson stayed strong, and despite his overwhelming emotions birdied the hole while Oosthuizen came away with a par.

If Watson continues to play as well as he played in the Masters, there is no doubt that he will become a consistent fixture and major impact player on the PGA tour.

Of course, there is no guarantee, but if this weekend proved anything to us, Watson surely has the stuff to make that type of move in the rankings.