Bubba Watson has declared his season is finished following a procedure for a finger injury, but he is confident he will be ready and performing well for the beginning of the 2026 campaign.LIV Golf campaign.
The two-time Masters championwas scheduled for a hectic close to the year on the Asian Tour, but he has shared that he experienced a painful lump on his left ring finger that required removal.
The operation was successful, but it has left the 46-year-old unable to play or train for the rest of the year. It is a blow for the RangeGoats' captain, who regained some of his form this summer after aA 18-month period of discipline nearly caused him to lose his LIV Golf membership.
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However, the former world number two is certain he will be completely ready for the beginning of the 2026 LIV season, which kicks off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 5.
"Over the past few weeks, I've noticed a small bump on my left ring finger that's been painful and is making it hard for me to grip a golf club as I'd like," Watson shared on social media.
My physicians described it as a 'lesion' and advised a small operation to remove it, which I have undergone.
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Due to the position and severity of the cuts, which are near a joint, the surgery is anticipated to keep me from playing golf for as long as eight weeks during my recovery and rehabilitation period.
I was really excited about participating in the International Series Philippines and the Link Hong Kong Open this month, and I'm sad that I'll have to miss these tournaments. However, I'm relieved to know that this is just a temporary problem.
I appreciate the tournaments for their comprehension of the circumstances. I am thankful for their support and good wishes regarding my recovery. I am eager to return to peak performance and be prepared to play in the 2026 LIV Golf season with my RangeGoats.
Watson placed 11th in LIV's Individual Championship this year, having secured two top-five finishes, including a second-place result in the United Kingdom.
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Watson is not the sole member of LIV experiencing an extended hiatus to conclude the year, althoughIn Jon Rahm's situation, the Spanish golfer is doing it willingly.
The former top-ranked player has announced he will not compete again until the LIV tournament in Riyadh, opting to spend the next three months at home with his family and working on his abilities privately.
I've never taken three months off before, but I'm excited about the opportunity," Rahm said. "Other athletes do it, and we'll find out. I'm fortunate to be able to go home now, have a preseason, be a father, and spend time with my family. And if I feel it's too much, I might not do it next year, but I'm looking forward to it.