Bubba Watson discusses the condition of the course at Greenbrier ahead of LIV Golf tournament starting

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Bubba Watson is looking to end his dismal LIV Golf season on a high as the breakaway league heads to Greenbrier for the second time.

The West Virginia course was the scene of Bryson DeChambeau’s historic 58 and typically hosts a low-scoring affair. The Greenbrier Classic – formerly on the PGA Tour – regularly saw the winner finish as low as 20 under.

During his pre-tournament chat with the media, DeChambeau claimed a second 58 is more than possible. Two-time Masters winner Watson was also front and centre and shared his thoughts on why players have typically enjoyed their visits to Greenbrier.

Bubba Watson explains why pros love Greenbrier

Greenbrier has given up three rounds in the 50s previously, including DeChambeau’s historic round of 12 under.

Watson believes the amount of short approach shots plays a significant factor in the low scoring.

“I think the first thing is the condition of the course; it’s always in great shape when you are in the fairway; you know you are going to have a lot of wedges if you are hitting your driver 360 and straight,” said Watson.

“But I think it’s the condition of the course first. The greens are running really nice and smooth, so that gives you confidence.”

He added: “If you are hitting your driver well, if you look at everybody, they are playing well to shoot in the 50s, but this place breeds confidence in you to start making putts.”

Greenbrier’s three history makers

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DeChambeau was actually the third person to break 60 at the West Virginia venue. Stuart Appleby carded a 59 during the final round of the Greenbrier Classic in 2010, and Kevin Chappell followed suit in 2019.

It was an astute move by LIV to add Greenbrier to their schedule.

The course was once a staple of the PGA Tour schedule, with some of the golf’s most prominent names making the trip to Virginia. Famously, the 2012 edition saw Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods both miss the cut at the same tournament for the first time.

After the PGA Tour pushed the event back to September, interest from fans and sponsors decreased, and Greenbrier’s contract was eventually terminated.

It was a sour end, and it’s refreshing to see LIV give the historic PGA Tour venue a lifeline. Hopefully, Greenbrier will become a regular feature on the breakaway tour’s schedule.