Watson Recognizes His Alma Mater with Donation

(From left) University of Georgia President Michael Adams, Bubba Watson, Stadion Classic at UGA Tournament Director Dave Cousart, Assistant Tournament Director Matt Peterson and Georgia PGA Executive Director Mike Paull join together for the check presentation.
Stadion Classic at UGA

May 2, 2011

By PGA TOUR Staff

ATHENS, Ga.—Bubba Watson’s homecoming was going to be special regardless. He just enhanced his visit to his college hometown with a special donation.

As part of the Play Golf America University program, members of the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team were each given $50,000 to donate to colleges and universities of their choice to help support or start the organization’s efforts at boosting golf education and engagement. Watson, a member of the 2000 SEC Championship Bulldog team, designated UGA as the beneficiary of his gift.

Watson presented the check to the University of Georgia on May 2 as a kickoff to the Stadion Classic at UGA, an official Nationwide Tour event. Watson played on the Nationwide Tour for parts of three seasons prior to moving to the PGA TOUR.

“It’s an honor to play in the Stadion Classic,” said Watson. “It was the highlight of my professional career to play in the Ryder Cup, and to be able to take that experience and use it in a way that supports the school I graduated from, it’s just an honor.”

One of the longest hitters in the game, Watson has emerged as a rising PGA TOUR star, winning two of his three TOUR titles this season. His most-recent victory came last week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

“Bubba’s play on the PGA TOUR has made those affiliated with the University of Georgia very proud,” said Dr. Michael Adams, president of the University of Georgia. “He and his wife, Angie, are terrific alumni, and their dedication to this institution through the Play Golf America University program will continue to benefit students for years to come.”

PGAU is a PGA of America college and university golf program designed to teach and engage students in the game through PGA professional instruction and other golf programs. PGAU, while open to all students, is especially targeted for juniors, seniors and graduate students to help them to learn to play golf as well as understand how golf can be employed as a business tool as they enter the professional world.  The UGA program will begin in the fall of 2011 and will be managed by Dave Cousart, director of golf for the University of Georgia Golf Course, and Matt Peterson, head professional at UGA. Both are members of the Georgia PGA. 

“The Georgia PGA is excited to have one of our signature programs at the flagship institution of the state of Georgia,” said Mike Paull, executive director of the Georgia PGA.  “We have seen the success that Play Golf America University has had at other schools, and we can’t wait to see it take off at UGA.”