It's OK to not be OK sometimes - Bubba Watson

[tacklingdummy]

"We got enough issues in our world, we don't need crab issues" Bubba. 😂

 

 

Edited February 19, 2021 by tacklingdummy

[tw_focus]

Agree with Watson. One thing to remember is that haterz are going to hate. If you're getting hated on it's because you are successful, keep being successful and let the haterz keep on hating. If you stop even for a second to care what the haterz are saying then the haterz have won. Do your thing, ignore all distractions, ignore all haterz.

 

A great man once said "judge me by my haterz". More greatness, more haterz, that's just the way it is.

[WhostherealSlimShady]

If you haven't been in his position it is really difficult to understand the pain. I saw my brother go through it and eventually he took his own life. Speaking out and being honest about the struggle is a wonderful step in the right direction. It takes a lot of guts to open up ... I wish him and anyone else struggling the  strength to persevere  and overcome. Be well everyone!

[MattyO1984]

Good for Bubba coming out and speaking about it.

 

To many it will seem massively cliche but talking about it, acknowledging it is a huge help. I am not embarrassed to admit that I have had issues with anxiety and depression. Fortunately, I have a massively supportive family and friends but it was only when I was able to realise that there was a problem and then talk about that problem with them that things were able to get better. They don’t just go away but I have gotten better at dealing with them.

 

That said, I totally get that it is still a hard thing for people to talk about. Acknowledging it here online now, the thought still crossed my mind that there is perhaps still something of a stigma about it. The old school we are men and don’t talk about how we feel still seems prevalent. Thankfully I have gotten beyond that and if anyone were to think that that is still a sensible way to deal with it, I have come to realise that the problem is with their way of thinking not mine.

 

Also, I am more than happy to chat with anyone who might have questions or worries over the same kind of things. As I say talking about it might seem cliche but it is the first step.

[MattyO1984]

14 minutes ago, WhostherealSlimShady said:

If you haven't been in his position it is really difficult to understand the pain. I saw my brother go through it and eventually he took his own life. Speaking out and being honest about the struggle is a wonderful step in the right direction. It takes a lot of guts to open up ... I wish him and anyone else struggling the  strength to persevere  and overcome. Be well everyone!

 

Sorry to hear about your brother.

[WhostherealSlimShady]

6 minutes ago, MattyO1984 said:

22 minutes ago, WhostherealSlimShady said:

If you haven't been in his position it is really difficult to understand the pain. I saw my brother go through it and eventually he took his own life. Speaking out and being honest about the struggle is a wonderful step in the right direction. It takes a lot of guts to open up ... I wish him and anyone else struggling the  strength to persevere  and overcome. Be well everyone!

 

Sorry to hear about your brother.

Than you MattyO1984 

[dlygrisse]

It’s always been pretty clear to me, that despite all his quirkiness, Bubba is a good guy. I actually think he’s pretty entertaining even if he’s had a few cringe worthy moments.  I hope he gets back to winning a few tournaments soon. 

[MattyO1984]

17 hours ago, jholz said:

This thread took a dark turn real quickly. We all struggle with negative feelings. I hope that everyone in need of it gets help. 

 

I would look at it in another way, it’s not gotten dark, it’s become enlightened and that, in this instance is thanks to Bubba and to the OP for posting it.

[bladehunter]

8 hours ago, Loki said:

I have liked Bubba for a long time and have always wondered about the stories...that seem to be true...but whatever.

 

How can you argue with some one that shows up at The Masters Drive Chip Putt competition for kids the Sunday before The Masters that year? I could be wrong but I don't think Phil or Tiger have done this. I wasn't blessed with having kids but what a sight to see, I bet, the eyes open up on those kids and a Masters champion is watching them and cheering them on! I have talked to a Mom and Dad and they said it was amazing to see this gentleman go out of his way to do something like that.

 

And then, in my view, he gives an interview like this and think how is the above possible? He is obviously able to channel the energy. I will always be a Bubba Watson fan.

This is a very underrated point ^
 

most wouldn’t consider that as anything but fun.  “ sure let’s go watch the kids “.    For a person who struggles with crowds etc , going to that type event on purpose knowing that you’d end up being the center of attention at times , took some real consideration on bubbas part.  For him to do that shows how much he loves the game and children.  You don’t volunteer to do that without massive internal effort.  This was no small thing to him.  I guarantee that. 
 

having been in his shoes yet again on the child bearing front , and having adopted my own nephew from a horrible situation, I understand that feeling of appreciating kids.  People who easily have their own don’t always appreciate that gift ,I don’t think.  
 

my kid has helped me more than I have helped him. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t miss a function he had for any reason I could control.    This means that this wonderful kid has totally switched my brain off of the hate or worry of crowds etc. I look forward to his sports and school functions.  I can’t tell you how good that  feels.
This strength he mustered for that event surely comes from his love of kids and appreciation of having his own.  

[bladehunter]

37 minutes ago, MattyO1984 said:

 

I would look at it in another way, it’s not gotten dark, it’s become enlightened and that, in this instance is thanks to Bubba and to the OP for posting it.

Yep.  I agree.  The dark is constant.  Finding accepting conversation is actually light.   

[Kilo1545]

"Sometimes you just have to snap a couple sets of Mizunos."  -- Bubba Watson

[MattyO1984]

3 minutes ago, bladehunter said:

Yep.  I agree.  The dark is constant.  Finding accepting conversation is actually light.   

 

Agreed! My appreciation for golf and all it encompasses only grew when I realised I was struggling.

 

Golf on my own was good, golf with friends, watching golf, coming onto WRX - it gave me peace and helped quieten down whatever it was racing through my mind.

[Hawkeye77]

1 hour ago, dlygrisse said:

It’s always been pretty clear to me, that despite all his quirkiness, Bubba is a good guy. I actually think he’s pretty entertaining even if he’s had a few cringe worthy moments.  I hope he gets back to winning a few tournaments soon. 

 

Makes you wonder what turned the corner for him.  May have been meeting his wife, who knows.  He was pretty well publicized when he first got out on Tour for being pretty "difficult", if not entitled, and was known for not being real friendly to volunteers, overly concerned about free stuff, etc. - I remember an article that really raked him over the coals for the way he acted then a couple of years go by and seemed so much different, almost like success made him take a look at himself.  Still going with good family base and growing up a little bit.  Applaud him for talking about it, you never know who you might help.

[Christosterone]

We are all human alike...

 

FWIW, he has a beautiful move...his lag is underrated and his ability to manipulate his hands at impact with that lag is unbelievable...

LOVE his swing

 

 

[jomatty]

I’m not a bubba fan.  I don’t feel super strongly about that or anything, but we have enough differences of opinion about certain things that he is just not one of my favorites.  His outbursts, cursing, or quirks do not bother me, we just have very different beliefs.  That’s okay, and I certainly can still enjoy watching him play golf without him being one of my favorites...

That said, this article does make me like him more.  A lot of what he talks about will strike a chord with many people.  Mental health issues are one of those things that no group of people are immune to.   
Good for you Bubba for fighting the good fight

[MTgolfer]

Interstate article. Helps me understand bubba a little better. I have never liked him due to some of his on course antics, but this sheds a bit more light on those. I have thought a lot about the reasons behind peoples behavior, and this proves to be another instance of not fully knowing what’s behind the curtain for someone. I don’t really follow any players very closely and I did not know of his off course struggles in the last couple years. Glad to know he’s doing better.

[Frankensteins Monster]

On 2/17/2021 at 3:10 AM, Circaflex said:

Great article

 

 

 

Source: https://www.pgatour.com/long-form/2021/02/16/bubba-watson-opens-up-mental-health-struggles-adhd-anxiety.html

Awesome to see his evolution as a person and understanding showing vulnerability is ok and there's nothing wrong with that. There will always be people who will attack him for it, and try to take advantage of it, but that doesn't mean you should hide that vulnerability.

[Pepperturbo]

@bladehunter I can relate, as well, and maybe why I sympathized with Bubba.  I recall his first interview where he opened up about his challenges. 

 

Testing in the 70s uncovered my faults; dyslexia, ADD, autism symptoms, and high IQ.  Just enough of each to not require strong meds but have their say in my life.  It took a long time to learn how to control their influence and mask their negative effects, especially when public speaking.  The high IQ was my savior, it brought balance to what could be chaos.  The good has always been seen though my accomplishments; with my skills, the bad, nobody wants to see mad.  😛

 

Edited February 19, 2021 by Pepperturbo

[bladehunter]

4 hours ago, NotThatGuyorAmI? said:

 

 @Pepperturbo   I get what you mean on the IQ.   

Edited February 19, 2021 by bladehunter

[stingerfade]

16 hours ago, tw_focus said:

Agree with Watson. One thing to remember is that haterz are going to hate. If you're getting hated on it's because you are successful, keep being successful and let the haterz keep on hating. If you stop even for a second to care what the haterz are saying then the haterz have won. Do your thing, ignore all distractions, ignore all haterz.

 

A great man once said "judge me by my haterz". More greatness, more haterz, that's just the way it is.

Pretty good advice for a 12 year old 

[wobbles]

Quote

 

Posted 11 hours ago

   On 2/18/2021 at 11:23 PM,  tw_focus said: 

Agree with Watson. One thing to remember is that haterz are going to hate. If you're getting hated on it's because you are successful, keep being successful and let the haterz keep on hating. If you stop even for a second to care what the haterz are saying then the haterz have won. Do your thing, ignore all distractions, ignore all haterz.

 

A great man once said "judge me by my haterz". More greatness, more haterz, that's just the way it is.

Pretty good advice for a 12 year old

I think this commentary is more reflective of the ‘dance-off’ subculture mindset. Started w/West Side Story then Beat Street-Electric Boogaloo.

[phizzy30]

Here's the problem.  Society still deems mental illness as taboo.  It's like the elephant in the room that everybody knows it's there but nobody wants to talk about.  Society also deems mental illness as a weakness which is certainly untrue.  I myself am bi-polar and don't give crap who knows it.  I've struggled with it in the past however but after a lot of therapy and taking medication for it, I'm at a place now, where I accept it.  As for Bubba, I haven't been his kindest critic in the past for his on course antics, but what he does off the course especially for charity is admirable.  I hope he stays true to himself and wish him the best. 

[Circaflex]

On 2/19/2021 at 1:49 AM, WhostherealSlimShady said:

If you haven't been in his position it is really difficult to understand the pain. I saw my brother go through it and eventually he took his own life. Speaking out and being honest about the struggle is a wonderful step in the right direction. It takes a lot of guts to open up ... I wish him and anyone else struggling the  strength to persevere  and overcome. Be well everyone!

I am sorry for your loss. People dont really understand and part of the issue is, trying to talk about it. For the longest time, there was this stigma that you cant talk about your feelings or whats bothering you; i grew up in a household like that and I am sure most others did here. Men were taught to be tough, dont show emotion, dont cry, dont talk about your feelings, just suck it up and move on. Times seem to be changing and more people are realizing mental health matters. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

[Circaflex]

On 2/19/2021 at 5:06 AM, Christosterone said:

We are all human alike...

 

FWIW, he has a beautiful move...his lag is underrated and his ability to manipulate his hands at impact with that lag is unbelievable...

LOVE his swing

 

 

I've often told myself and my golfing buddies, if I could have one swing it would be Bubba's. His hands are remarkable and he's so consistent with his ball striking. Its truly remarkable.

[Pepperturbo]

35 minutes ago, Circaflex said:

I've often told myself and my golfing buddies, if I could have one swing it would be Bubba's. His hands are remarkable and he's so consistent with his ball striking. Its truly remarkable.

Agree.  Bubba has physical agility, but what people fail to realize, for Bubba to control all the moving parts, it takes a certain type of mind.  Unfortunately, that kind mind comes with some consequences.  I know this first hand.

[bladehunter]

44 minutes ago, Circaflex said:

I am sorry for your loss. People dont really understand and part of the issue is, trying to talk about it. For the longest time, there was this stigma that you cant talk about your feelings or whats bothering you; i grew up in a household like that and I am sure most others did here. Men were taught to be tough, dont show emotion, dont cry, dont talk about your feelings, just suck it up and move on. Times seem to be changing and more people are realizing mental health matters. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

True.  And a very interesting subject to me. 
 

See I’m a watcher of people.  I learn by sight.  Most do to some degree. But I do near 100 %.  Write it down.  Nope.  I won’t get it.  Show me once. And I can do most anything.  So I watch to learn.  Anyway.  
 

I was finally raised by my grandparents, specifically my grandpa as I was attached to his hip most days.    He was a very hard, but fair man.  A ww2 draftee who later became an airborne ranger that later transferred to the air force (8th) before getting out.  Not bad for a guy who finished the 6th grade.   He had no quit.  He saw no obstacle that was too high.  And his bar was work from sun up to sun down.  
 

 Said that to say.   He is my measuring stick for tough men.  And I saw that man cry more than any other man I can name.   Never in public. Never in a crowd. And never during adversity, only after.  During he was the calmest man I ever met.  
 

Certain things would trigger it.  Usual family or pet/animal related. loss etc.   He’s where I got my love of the land. Animals and self reliance.  But I never thought him weak for shedding a tear.  It made him real.  And I’ve never been ashamed of it because of this. 
 

I think the answer to this is better male role models for our boys.  This video game tough man crap isn’t the path.  It’s real actual examples being shown.  I could have told him anything and he would have heard me and helped me.  I don’t think that’s common place though.  But I try my best to talk to my boy daily.  Ask how he is. Make sure he can talk to me. And not pretend to be tougher than I am by hiding how I am for the day.  
 

this reminds me of my grandpas favorite saying , “ respect isn’t commanded. It’s earned , 100% of the time.  You can’t get it with a stick “      Was said to me the first time about animals on the farm because I tried to have a heavy hand with a horse.  Later reiterated about people.   I’ve found both to be exceedingly true. 

[me05501]

It takes a healthy ego and a killer instinct to drive anyone to perform at a top level in pro sports. What's often different from sport to sport is the attitude of fans toward the obvious ego and killer instinct of their sports heroes. 

 

No one expects the average F1 driver to be relatable. It's understood that they're preternaturally talented, physically gifted and often become as rich as kings. Their quirks are accepted and embraced by fans. But then none of us can drive the way they do or even afford to try. 

 

Most golf fans play golf. They like to think their heroes are down to earth and totally relatable when in fact many of them have huge egos that probably bruise easily. Many of them are probably quite snobby toward the average player or fan but manage to hide it well to keep their sponsors happy. But let's be clear: if they didn't think they were better than 99.999% of all golfers they'd have never gotten to where they are. 

 

I think Bubba has evolved and grown up a lot since he first made it to the tour. He came up through the same high school and mini-tours that Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum rode up, and he's clearly distinguished himself from those former peers as well as nearly everyone else on Tour. He is never going to be as big a draw as Tiger but he's definitely in that next tier down that every tournament wants to have at their event. 

[Slona]

On 2/22/2021 at 11:58 AM, me05501 said:

It takes a healthy ego and a killer instinct to drive anyone to perform at a top level in pro sports. What's often different from sport to sport is the attitude of fans toward the obvious ego and killer instinct of their sports heroes. 

 

No one expects the average F1 driver to be relatable. It's understood that they're preternaturally talented, physically gifted and often become as rich as kings. Their quirks are accepted and embraced by fans. But then none of us can drive the way they do or even afford to try. 

 

Most golf fans play golf. They like to think their heroes are down to earth and totally relatable when in fact many of them have huge egos that probably bruise easily. Many of them are probably quite snobby toward the average player or fan but manage to hide it well to keep their sponsors happy. But let's be clear: if they didn't think they were better than 99.999% of all golfers they'd have never gotten to where they are. 

 

I think Bubba has evolved and grown up a lot since he first made it to the tour. He came up through the same high school and mini-tours that Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum rode up, and he's clearly distinguished himself from those former peers as well as nearly everyone else on Tour. He is never going to be as big a draw as Tiger but he's definitely in that next tier down that every tournament wants to have at their event. 

Very well said. 

[TTRacer]

Bubba is an interesting guy, and someone I would love to grab a beer with.

[clevited]

I have always liked Bubba as I saw a lot of me in him.  I don't have his anxiety, but I have quirky behavior that constantly make me a bit of an outsider and misunderstood.  I like that he does things his own way and isn't afraid to speak his mind most of the time.  I feel a bit the same about Bryson.  I think he is also just unique and quirky and comes off in a way too many people tend to judge and dislike.  Bryson I can also relate to, on the quirky thinker side of things.