Blue Wahoos Investor Bubba Watson Treats Group To Watch Him Play In New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS -- John Mahoney stood about 50 yards away, watching Bubba Watson on a practice range effortlessly launching golf shots deep into the sky.

Mahoney, an attorney with The Morgan Law Group in Pensacola, was part of a traveling gallery arranged by the Blue Wahoos to attend Friday’s second round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at the Tournament Players Club course outside the city in Avondale, La.

It was the first time Mahoney had attended a PGA Tour event. He’s always wanted to see Watson in-person. He didn’t move from his position on the gallery ropes as Watson went through a pre-round routine.

“I’m just so stoked,” Mahoney said, as Watson finished to join playing partner Scottie Scheffler for their afternoon pairing in this team event. “I can’t wait to see him play.”

Watson, a PGA Tour megastar, Pensacola resident and Blue Wahoos investor, helped make it possible for Mahoney and others to see him play.

During the past several years, Watson has provided tickets for the Blue Wahoos to utilize for season-ticket holders, sponsors, prospective partners and front office staff. The Zurich Classic is the closest PGA Tour stop to Pensacola.

“It’s amazing,” Mahoney said. “When I found out (about trip opportunity), I immediately cancelled everything I had on my calendar (for Friday). I had to work to wrap up things late (Thursday) and make this happen.”

Watson and Scheffler finished in 3-under 69 during Friday’s alternate shot format and remained in contention Saturday, tied for fourth at 16-under, heading into Sunday’s final round.

Watson won this tournament 10 years ago when it was an individual play event. His image is part of the walk of fame banner entrance to the course.

That 2011 win is part of Watson’s platinum-level, PGA Tour career, which includes two Masters titles, 12 overall Tour victories in his 15-years full time on the circuit.

“The way he can move the ball every which way is just amazing,” said John Mahoney’s father, Jack, as the two prepared to walk the course Friday. “But what you hear most about Bubba is that he’s been so generous.

“He really cares about his community,” said Jack Mahoney, who was also watching Watson in-person for the first time. “That’s what we like about him. He’s done so much for our community.”

Watson’s philanthropic efforts in Pensacola include a combined $2.1 million donation with his wife, Angie, they provided the past several years to The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart.

That gift is one of many Watson, a Milton High graduate, has given to Pensacola. The ability for people to see him play golf is another.

“One thing you never want to do is take these things for granted,” said Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer. “We are so fortunate to have someone like Bubba Watson as part of our community in general. He is such a community ambassador.

“I think it’s extremely neat that Bubba does this and so many other things. I think what we always want to do is be grateful to Bubba. Never just assume this happens. No one expects him to do these things.”

A year ago, the Zurich Classic was cancelled due to the initial onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s return included requirements for mask-wearing, limited attendance and players kept a distance from fans and media representatives.

Watson graciously stopped for a quick photo with the Blue Wahoos group Friday before he prepared on the practice range. As he has often stated in interviews, he sees the Pensacola area as a community that helped raise him, shape him. And it means a lot to him.

He’s frequently mentioning his relationship with the Blue Wahoos and often utilizing his massive social media platforms to showcase the team.

“When Bubba and I first talked about him being involved with the team, what I told him was I thought we had a good local brand, but my goal is to make the Blue Wahoos a national brand.” Studer said. “And Bubba has really helped that.

“Being a national brand is so important to Pensacola for a few reasons. Certainly, tourism is important. People come here because they hear Pensacola. Second is that merchandise becomes a national ,phenomenon when you do that. His investment is really helping us become a national brand.”

Watson grew up a baseball fan and youth baseball player, dreaming of playing big league baseball, so the Blue Wahoos have been a special part of his life, which he often mentions during interviews on the PGA Tour.

“He’s always active at the stadium. But to see him in his element like this, and giving our staff, our partners, others here to see him play is so special,” said Alex Sides, the Blue Wahoos vice president of sales. “It really shows Bubba’s commitment again to improving the lives in this community.

“And how he’s always giving back to the community and the Blue Wahoos.”

Jack Mahoney, an avid golfer, played a recent round at Tanglewood Golf and Country Club in Milton – the course Watson grew up playing as kid.

“He had been out there practicing,” Mahoney said. “And so there were his familiar pink tees on the course.”

The trip to New Orleans is one where the Blue Wahoos staff helps recognize local sponsors, ticket holders for their support of the team.

Watson is able to work with the PGA Tour to get a Friday pairing in early afternoon, so the group from Pensacola can travel that morning and watch him start the round.

“Obviously we love the relationships we build during the baseball season, but these added special events are something we take pride in,” said Sides, working in his third year with the Blue Wahoos. “We love to support the people who support us. Being part of the Wahoos family is not just part of the baseball season, it’s a year-round partnership.”

Employees from Select Physical Therapy and Navy Federal were among Friday’s group of local fans to support Watson.

“This is actually my third or fourth time doing this,” said Ken Byrd of Select Physical Therapy. “It is awesome. And obviously it wouldn’t be possible without relationship with the Wahoos. It shows how much (Watson) cares about the community.”