Will Bubba Watson ever find the Masters magic again?

When it comes to Masters history, Bubba Watson will go down as a champion who pulled off one of the most incredible shots in the history of the tournament. His shot from the pine straw in 2012 is arguably the best shot ever played at Augusta.

Now two years later, there is at least some question whether Watson will ever make it back to Butler Cabin or if he’s a one shot and one year Masters wonder.

Augusta National is a long-hitters course, which should make it a paradise for Watson and his Bubba-long style. Watson certainly isn’t lacking the creativity or shot-making skills to make his way around the course either. But, for whatever reason, he’s has been unable to solve the Augusta National puzzle other than in 2012. In his four non-winning Masters’ appearances, Watson struggled to even contend, cracking the top 10 after a round just once. He was in ninth place following the third round in 2011, only to finish in a tie for 38th. During his career, he has as many rounds of 75 or over as he does rounds in the 60s.

So why the issues? Distance off the tee has never been the problem. He’s been in the top 11 in driving distance in each of his Masters appearances, according to Golfstats.com. He’s even hit a decent amount of greens, finishing in the top 25 in GIR in four of his five appearances. The problem hasn’t been getting to the green, it’s been what happens once he gets there. Watson has never been renowned for his putting skills and those issues have cropped up at Augusta. He’s never finished better than 27th in putting at the Masters, with an average finish of 37th.

While his 30.3 putting average per round is on the high side, shaving a stroke or two off per round would put him among the leaders. Can he do that? It might depend on if he’s able to maintain a steady and even-keeled approach. Watson has had some minor blowups in the past, including some in-round issues with his caddy. He appeared to be in top form earlier this season, racking up top-10 finishes, but it all unraveled at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Watson carded an 83 in the first round, which included an 11 on the par-5 sixth hole. He opted to withdraw following the round, citing allergy issues: