US Masters 2014: How Results Will Impact Bubba Watson and Top Finishers' Seasons

Bubba Watson's second Masters championship puts him in rarefied air. How rarefied? There have only been 17 golfers who have won at Augusta National two or more times.

Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald breaks it down ever further:

Late on Sunday night, the win was still sinking in for Watson:

For at least the remainder of 2014, Watson's name will be on a short list of players expected to do big things at the PGA Tour's biggest events.

The Players Championship begins May 8, the Memorial starts on May 29 and the U.S. Open kicks off on June 12. Watson is going to be one of the favorites in each of those events.

Life as a two-time Masters champion is going to carry higher expectations. He's not the only player who'll be expected to maintain or exceed his current level, though.

The 2014 Masters may go down as a crucial part of one particular young golfer's career.

Jordan Spieth Is Poised for a Huge Year

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After sharing the lead with Watson through three rounds, Spieth couldn't finish the deal on Sunday. Still, his overall score of five under wasn't too shabby for a 20-year-old in his first Masters.

The sky is the limit for Spieth.

Obviously, he's a very talented young man, but what's most impressive is his poise and maturity. At no time during the weekend did he look overwhelmed or out of his element.

It seems almost certain that he will have his own green jacket one day. He may not have to wait until next year for his first major, though.

Don't count him out as serious threat to win the U.S. Open. After his play at Augusta, he won't sneak up on anyone. His nerves of steel may be what separate him from other supposed young stars who have emerged over the last five years.

Same Story for Rory

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It always seems as if one horrible day ruins everything for Rory McIlroy. At the 2014 Masters, it was his second round.

He had two double bogeys and three bogeys on the round. Were it not for that disastrous day, McIlroy would have been right in the mix on Sunday.

Instead, he had to settle for a tie for eighth place.

He came into Augusta as the favorite to win, but again fell short, which has become commonplace for him. Things aren't likely to change on either front. We may forever wonder why McIlroy didn't accomplish more in his career.

Rory's name will be mentioned amongst the favorites at the remaining majors on the calendar, but betting on him is ill-advised.