By Suzanne Kemper, Nassau, Bahamas …

Watson Chasing Hard to Defend his HWC title defending Hero World Challenge Champion Bubba Watson after Thursday’s slow start, lit up the Albany Golf Course, taking full advantage of his length to rocket up the leaderboard with a 63.

A great start with 29 on the front with two eagles and three birdies.”It was trusting these irons after the windy yesterday. I hate to say this I made birdie with a wedge- a new wedge! Then laughing, “I made birdie on 16 with a new wedge- the rest were my old clubs.”

Bubba in upbeat mood after posting second round 63. (Photo – Suzanne Kemper)

The double Masters winner is back in the hunt after Thursday’s par at -9 three shots behind co-leaders Dustin Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama.

“I had to come out, shoot low like last year and I did.” He admitted “it’s great when you chip in for eagle, hit out of the rocks to 10 ft and make that for eagle too.” Watson lipped out for a third eagle on the front on nine. Back nine plays tougher as there are three reachable par-5’s on the front. “My toughest hole out there is the 12th; three putted it both days”.

Watson still asserts, “Putting’s always the key.  Today the wind was different, and less than yesterday, but I’ve got to play good over the weekend as I’m losing”. With Friday’s low round Watson definitely has the momentum going to keep his title.