Bubba Watson makes hole in one in Indonesia, donates house to a family in need

For the first time in a while, Bubba Watson has made a serious run near the top of a golf leaderboard. Currently in third place after three rounds of the Asian Tour’s Indonesian Masters, Watson achieved an impressive score of 65 on Saturday, with one standout moment: an ace on the 11th hole at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club. With that perfect shot—a well-executed pitching wedge—Watson’s 14-under-par total has placed him within striking range. However, he still trails leader Richard T. Lee by seven strokes. Lee leads with a commanding score, while Ahmad Baig holds second place, just one shot ahead of Watson.

This remarkable hole-in-one from Watson did more than bolster his standing. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, each hole-in-one at this event is celebrated with a special cause: the building of a new home for a family in need. Thanks to Watson’s ace, one house will be donated, but he decided to make an additional impact. Following his round, Watson announced he would personally donate another home, doubling his contribution. In an even more remarkable coincidence, Phachara Khongwatmai, who was playing in the group behind Watson, also aced the 154-yard 11th hole, meaning a third house would be built. In total, three families will receive new homes thanks to these players.

“The game of golf has helped tremendously around the world through all the charities that golf has brought to the table, so to be a part of that, it’s very special,” Watson reflected on the charitable aspect of the tournament. “It’s an honor. There’ll be a couple of families that will be helped out.”

This year has not been smooth for Watson, especially on the LIV Golf circuit. Currently, he ranks 53rd in the league’s individual standings, with his best finish being a tie for 15th place at the season’s second event. His last victory dates back to 2018, when he won the Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour. At age 45, Watson now finds himself in LIV’s relegation zone, meaning he could face losing his place on the league’s roster. As captain of the Range Goats team, he’s looking to build goodwill and keep his position, and competing in the Indonesian Masters, which is part of the LIV-backed International Series, could be a crucial part of that.

Meanwhile, Richard T. Lee, the tournament leader and Canadian golfer, has shown exceptional skill and consistency. His opening round of 62 included an impressive seven birdies, two eagles, and a bogey, putting him in the lead early. Despite a slight setback during the second round, where he finished his last two holes three over par, Lee managed a 67. On Saturday, he rebounded with a bogey-free round of 66, featuring six birdies, which extended his lead.

For Watson and the other golfers in Jakarta, the Indonesian Masters has proven to be more than just another tournament. The combination of competitive play, personal milestones, and meaningful charitable contributions has created a special atmosphere on and off the course. Watson’s inspiring gesture and thrilling hole-in-one will leave a lasting legacy for both the sport and the communities in need that will directly benefit from these homes.