Watson picks up maiden overseas win

American Bubba Watson notched his first victory outside the US in fine style at the $8.5m WGC-HSBC Champions tournament.

Masters champion Watson added another big title to his resume when he sank a “once-in-a-lifetime” 30-yard bunker shot for eagle at the par-five 18th to earn a spot in a playoff and then drained a 20-foot birdie putt on the same hole minutes later to edge South African Tim Clark.

The importance of the win in front of a packed and boisterous gallery at Sheshan was clear by Watson’s ecstatic reaction after he pocketed $1.4 million and improved his playoff record to 4-1.

“I’ve always dreamed about winning at least once outside the US, to say that I can travel a little bit,” admitted a player who once seemed uncomfortable venturing to foreign shores but will climb to number three in the world rankings on Monday.

“My goal has always been to get 10 (career) wins. Now I’ve got seven.”