Bubba’s Bahamian Breakthrough At Hero World Challenge

Bubba Watson’s course record lasted less than a day, but that’s about the only recognition the two-time Masters champion left behind in the Bahamas. Although Justin Rose’s 10-under 62 on Sunday eclipsed the single-round total that Watson and Paul Casey had recorded on Saturday, Bubba’s Sunday 66 gave him a three-stroke edge over Patrick Reed for the win. Rickie Fowler was another stroke back in third, while Jordan Spieth closed with 67 on Sunday to claim the fourth spot.

What If… Bubba’s approach wedge on the 4th hole Saturday had not obeyed and bounced into the hole for eagle? Would the Georgian have gone on the tear that led to 63 and the overnight lead? Raise a glass to obedient golf balls in 2016 for all!

Holman Wins Aussie Order of Merit and PGA In Same Day

Nathan Holman gathered up more Aussie pride as he joined countrymen Peter Senior and Matt Jones as winners of the three 2015 Australian major titles. Harold Varner III of the U.S. and Dylan Frittelli of South Africa were two of the third-round co-leaders, but Chambers Bay-like conditions (strong winds and dried-out linksy turf) dropped them into a tie for first with Holman at even-par 288 at day’s end. Matters were settled quickly as only the champion managed a par on the first playoff hole.

What If… Nathan Holman had lost the playoff after bogeying his final two holes to tie Varner III and Frittelli at even-par? Dude would have missed out on full European Tour membership, along with entry into the 2016 British Open and the WGC events.

Leishman Runs Off With Nedbank Golf Challenge

Marc Leishman lost a playoff for The Open Championship title last summer. In the interim, he consolidated those lessons and made good on his potential at the Nedbank. Paired with proven champion Henrik Stenson on Sunday, the Australian pro went on a 10-hole tear of 6-under to separate himself from the Swede and all others. Leishman finished up at 19-under, six shots clear of the runner-up. Robert Streb left a lot of money in South Africa. His final-hole double bogey dropped him from solo third to a fourth-place tie. Ouch.

What If… The 15th hole scores were reversed? Leish made birdie while Stenny made bogey, increasing the lead from 3 to 5 strokes, putting an end to the drama. Go the other way and we have a one-shot margin, with momentum back in Henrik’s hands.

Brandt Jobe Takes Champions Tour Q-School Medal

A cadre of PGA Tour veterans snatched the first four all-exempt spots at the 2015 Qualifying School at TPC Scottsdale’s Champions course. Brandt Jobe preserved the lead he held on Friday and Saturday, winning Q-School by one stroke over Willie Wood, Tom Byrum and José Cóceres. Despite never winning on the regular tour (something the three runners-up had accomplished), Jobe found two late-round birdies to reclaim the top spot. Claiming the last full exemption was true journeyman Mike Grob. Two late birdies lifted the Montanan over former Champions Tour winner John Riegger into the fifth spot by one shot.

What If… Jobe’s birdies had been bogies? He wasn’t exactly on fire on Sunday, and a late-round foozle might have easily dropped him to 15-under, completely out of the fully exempt club.

Sergio Back Atop Podium At Ho Tram Open In Vietnam

Sergio Garcia came out of a four-man playoff with a smile on his face, returning to the winner’s circle 23 months after his Qatar Masters victory. While the Spaniard did his best to give away the Asian Tour event on the penultimate hole, making double bogey to drop into the four-way tie for first, he drained an unexpected snake from 35 feet on the first extra hole to extend the playoff. After Thaworn Wiratchant and Wen-tang Lin were eliminated with pars on that hole, Himmat Rai tapped in a short birdie putt to move to a second hole of sudden victory. Unfortunately for Rai, he drove into the underbrush and could not match Sergio’s par.

What If… Garcia had missed the 35-footer on the first playoff hole and Rai had tapped in for the win? It would have been another bitter giveaway for the Iberian, for whom so much has been expected.