Bubba Watson confirms injury issue and how long he will take off from golf after surgery

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Two-time major champion Bubba Watson looks set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a finger issue.

Watson has been keeping a close eye on the PGA Tour despite his switch to LIV Golf, having represented one of its most high-profile additions.

The American icon won The Masters in 2012 and 2014, with 12 PGA Tour wins claimed in total before his move.

Watson has been impressed by Scottie Scheffler in recent times, with the latter having already passed the former for major championship wins.

And Rory McIlroy received a message from Watson after his win at The Masters, having also surpassed the American in terms of major victories.

Bubba Watson confirms how long he’ll take off from golf after surgery

Watson also managed to impress in the 2025 season, finishing 11th in the LIV Golf Individual Championship, which was won by Jon Rahm.

But he now faces time away from the course after undergoing surgery, of which he said on X: “In recent weeks, I developed a small growth on my left ring finger that has been causing me pain and affecting my ability to grip a golf club the way I want.

“My doctors referred to it as a ‘lesion’ and recommended a minor procedure to have it removed, which I have done.

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“Because of the location and depth of the cuts, which are around a joint, the procedure is expected to prevent me from playing golf for up to eight weeks while I recover and rehab my finger.

“I had been looking forward to playing in the International Series Philippines and the Link Hong Kong Open this month, and I’m disappointed that I will miss those events.

“But I’m glad to know this is only a short-term setback. I would like to thank the tournaments for being so understanding of the situation.

“I am grateful for their support and well wishes for my recovery. I look forward to getting back to form and ready to play in time for the 2026 LIV Golf season with my RangeGoats.”

What PGA Tour titles did Bubba Watson win before his move to LIV Golf?

Watson wasn’t able to claim any wins in the latest LIV Golf season, with his second-place spot in the United Kingdom representing his best finish.

His RangeGoats side meanwhile, of which the two-time major winner is captain, finished 10th in the Team Championship.

Watson also took on The Masters this season due to his lifetime exemption status, finishing T14 at Augusta National.

It was the only major championship he took part in, but the 46-year-old can certainly be proud of his year overall.