One of the game's top draws takes his name out of the field at Bay Hill after the death of a childhood friend.
For the second straight year, Bubba Watson has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The reason this year, however, is much more serious and tragic one. Bubba told tournament officials he was backing out of the annual stop at Bay Hill because of the death of a childhood friend.
He planned to attend the services and issued this statement through the PGA Tour.
"I am sad to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational. A close childhood friend of mine passed away unexpectedly last night. My thoughts and prayers are with his young family at this sad time. I have chosen to withdraw so I can attend the funeral and pay respect to my friend and his family."
Watson a Florida native, had played this event for nine straight years. He backed out last year after the first round citing allergies. But the Orlando resident, who lives down the street from Bay Hill, was panned for the WD. This is obviously a much more understandable and sympathetic reason.
Watson is probably the best American player in golf right now, and looks to be right on track for a strong title defense at Augusta in three weeks. He's contended in almost every event he's started this year, including his last appearance two weeks ago at Doral. Following this WD, that Doral start will likely be his last one before the Masters.
Kevin Kisner is the alternate who gets the open spot and will play with Adam Scott and Brooks Koepka. Condolences to Bubba.
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