Bubba set to reach Ping's long drive charity target

Big-hitting American Bubba Watson is only four 300-yard drives away from reaching the target set out earlier this year in the 'Bubba Long in Pink. Driven by Ping' charity promotion.

The 2012 Masters Champion has blasted 296 drives 300 yards or further with his all-pink Ping G20 driver, and should comfortably reach his target of 300 at The Barclays this week.

After Watson announced 'Bubba and Friends Drive to a Million' - a year-long campaign to raise $1m for charity - in January, Ping donated $10,000 and pledged a further $300 for every drive Bubba hit over 300 yards (up to 300 drives).

So far, Bubba's 296 drives have raised $88,000 from Ping, who also contributed $250,000 from the sale of 5,000 pink G20 drivers.

"It's been a lot of fun this year knowing every drive over 300 yards carries a little extra incentive," said Watson.

"Ping's support of my goal of raising $1m this season has been amazing.

"Between this promotion and the pink G20 driver program, where they donated $50 from the sale of each driver, they'll contribute $350,000 to charity.

"I'm grateful for their continued support," he added.

This season, nearly 63% of Watson's drives have travelled over 300 yards, the highest percentage on tour. He currently leads the PGA Tour in driving distance, averaging 315.9 yards off the tee.

The 'Bubba Long in Pink. Driven by Ping' initiative began with the Farmers Insurance Open, and is expected to finish on Sunday. Below is a list of Bubba's 300-yard drives by tournament:

Farmers Insurance Open: 26 Waste Management Phoenix Open: 43 Northern Trust Open: 35 WGC-Cadillac Championship: 34 Arnold Palmer Invitational: 31 Zurich Classic of New Orleans: 36 the Memorial Tournament: 15 Travelers Championship: 31 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational: 45