Captain Bubba Watson of RangeGoats GC. (Photo by Mike Stobe/LIV Golf)
As LIV Golf Singapore presented by Aramco gets underway from March 14-16 at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course, RangeGoats GC captain Bubba Watson and newcomer Ben Campbell are eager to make their mark.
For Watson, a two-time Masters champion, returning to Sentosa brings back fond memories of the RangeGoats’ 2023 triumph. “Our mindset is to win,” he stated. “Lifting that trophy—the only trophy the RangeGoats have had—it was nice.”
However, the team has undergone changes since that victory. With Talor Gooch, the event star in 2023, now with Smash GC, Campbell steps in as the newest member. Watson has complete confidence in the New Zealander. “He’s the guy that hits the fairways. No pressure,” he said with a grin.
Watson believes they are on the cusp of breaking through. “We’ve been close this year,” he said. “We’re looking good, but we’ve just got to get the ball to go in the hole a little bit faster.”
With Peter Uihlein’s putting skills, Matthew Wolff’s power, and Campbell’s precision complementing Watson’s creativity, the RangeGoats are confident heading into Sentosa’s test.
The Serapong Course is known for its tight fairways, unpredictable wind, and the infamous “Dragon’s Tail” stretch (holes 3-7). Watson acknowledged the physical and mental toll the conditions can take. “It wears you out sometimes, especially if you’ve had a stressful round,” he said.
A key strategic hole is the par-5 4th, which presents a risk-reward opportunity. Watson prefers an aggressive approach. “I take a driver over those bunkers and try to cut it… hit a shot through the trees if it’s in the fairway.” Campbell, known for his steady play, has a more calculated strategy. “I normally hit driver there… take quite an aggressive line. If you end up too far, there’s still holes through the trees, or you can lay up and play it as a three-shotter.”
Both players agree the course is in pristine shape. “The best I’ve seen in a long time,” Watson said of the greens.
Campbell, a two-time International Series winner and runner-up in the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit, is no stranger to humid conditions. “I’m used to the humidity and played a lot in the heat up here,” he said. “This is probably one of my favourite courses in Asia—always in amazing condition.”
After serving as a reserve player last season, Campbell relishes his full-time role. “I’ve been lucky to have a really friendly team,” he said. “Everyone has welcomed me in from day one.”
Watson’s decision to bring him on board wasn’t just based on stats. “I wanted a competitor, but a good guy… his personality easily fits the Goats,” he explained.
Campbell is soaking up the experience of playing alongside a major champion. “Playing practice rounds, seeing different shots—it’s great being around someone who’s won as many times as he has,” he said. His goal for Singapore? “Hopefully, we can turn that around this week.”
With LIV Golf introducing new pathways to major championships in 2025, both players see it as a step forward. “Any chance we have to get into the majors… it’s always a good thing,” Watson said. “Top 15 from LIV’s points list in all the majors—that’s what I’ve said since day one.”
The opportunity is motivating for Campbell, who has only played in one major. “These next few weeks are really important… play well, and you’re in some of the best tournaments in the world.”
As the RangeGoats tee off in Singapore, they aim to harness their strengths and let the results follow. “We’re excited,” Watson said. “It’s been fun.” Campbell echoed the sentiment: “Really looking forward to the week.”
