Bubba Watson Makes Hole-In-One To Move In To Contention At Asian Tour Event

Playing the BNI Indonesian Masters for the first time, the two-time Major winner moved firmly into contention on Saturday thanks to an ace at the par 3 11th

Bubba Watson strikes a wedge shot, whilst a divot flies into the air
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Bubba Watson made a big move on Saturday at the BNI Indonesian Masters, with the American carding a seven-under par third round to jump into solo third spot and seven back of Canadian, Richard Lee.

The two-time Major winner made a hot start at Royale Jakarta Golf Club, but it was a shot at the par 3 11th which was the talk of the round, with Watson finding the bottom of the cup for a hole-in-one.

Having been relegated from the LIV Golf League at the end of the 2024 season, the Range Goats GC Captain is making his International Series debut as he hopes to find some form.

Carding a two-under 70 on Thursday, Watson comfortably made the cut thanks to a five-under 67 on Friday. However, it was Saturday where we saw the experienced pro make a move, as his seven-under 65 was the joint best round of the day, alongside Pakistan's Ahmad Baig.

Opening with three birdies on the front nine, Watson parred the 10th, with the magic moment coming at the par 3 11th. What's more, along with Watson, Phachara Khongwatmai also made a hole-in-one at the same hole, some 20 minutes after the American!

Following the ace, Watson birdied the 12th and 15th to finish in just 32 shots on the back nine, with the seven-under 65 putting him seven back of Lee, who has been in fine form after rounds of 62, 67 and 66.

Making his ninth appearance on the Asian Tour, Watson has secured a couple of runner-up finishes on the circuit - the 2012 Thailand Golf Championship and the 2022 Saudi International - as the 45-year-old hopes to challenge once again on Sunday.

As mentioned, Watson is playing in the tournament after finishing inside LIV Golf's relegation places at the culmination of the Individual Championship. Currently, it's unclear as to where his LIV Golf future lies, but he could well return to the PIF-backed circuit next year if both he and his Range Goats GC team decide.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x