Player Profile: Bubba Watson

On Sunday the American Bubba Watson beat South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen to win his first-ever major at the US Masters. This week's player profile looks at the recent career achievements of this talented player as he carves himself a place in golfing history.

Born in 1978 in the town of Bagdad, Florida, Watson learned the game of golf from his father and had no other professional instruction. Through remarkable discipline and perseverance, the young Watson taught himself golf using practice balls in and around his family's home as we was growing up. His free and playful spirit and determination have characterised Watson's approach to golf and have made him much loved by fans in America and abroad.

After turning professional in 2003, Watson played on the second-tier Nationwide Tour until the 2006 season when he won his PGA Tour card. His first victory came in 2010 at the Travelers Championship and was followed by two wins during the 2011 season at the Farmers Insurance Open and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. On Sunday, Watson thrilled the home crowd at Augusta as he edged out South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen to clinch his first-ever major title at the Masters.

Having weathered the challenges that are unavoidable at the top level of professional golf, Watson retains his free spirit and famous sense of humour which are almost as famous as his golf game. A left-handed player, Watson is one of the longest hitters on the tour and is well known for his ability to navigate difficulties on the course and make the best of a bad shot.

As Bubba Watson continues his rise in professional golf, his self-made story resonating strongly with millions of fans in America and abroad, his unique style of golf is sure to provide many more exciting finales in tournaments to come.