June18 OpenWatson

Bubba Watson had only one question when he turned in his scorecard: What’s a guy have to do to get back to the US Open? Watson tied for fifth in his second Open.

Better than his $248,948 cheque, it earned him a spot in next year’s field. The top 15 automatically qualify for 2008 at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California.

“I didn’t know that. I’m excited now,” Watson said. “I’ve got one job next year. One week, at least.”

Make that two. The top eight at the Open also qualify for the Masters. England’s Nick Dougherty, who finished in a tie for seventh after a 1-over 71 Sunday, also will be making his first trip to Augusta National next year.

“I’ve never felt like this coming off the course before, but I’m actually delighted,” Dougherty said. “I’ve done myself proud this week, and I’m extremely pleased with the progress I think I’ve made.”

Watson was happy with the strides he made, as well. Before this week, he was known as the guy who can hit it a mile – using a driver with a pink shaft, no less – but he also had a reputation for falling apart when the pressure was greatest. No more.

Though he opened with a double bogey on No. 1, he played solid the rest of the way. He wound up with a 4-over 74 that left him tied with David Toms.

“If you’d told me my second major, tied for fifth, I’d have taken that and gone back to the house and watched it on TV,” said Watson, who was a crowd favourite all week.
Photo: Getty Images