Second Thoughts

Bubba mulls public office after pro golf

Golfer Bubba Watson has started and invested in several businesses, and he’s moved within the city limits of Pensacola, Fla., because he wants to run for mayor.
Golfer Bubba Watson has started and invested in several businesses, and he’s moved within the city limits of Pensacola, Fla., because he wants to run for mayor.

Bubba Watson is already thinking about his career after golf, which just might include public office.

He wants to run for mayor.

"I've had a dream," Watson said. "I moved back in the city limits of Pensacola [Fla.] so one day I can run for mayor."

The two-time Masters champion already is building quite the local enterprise at home. Last year he became a part-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, a Class AA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. This year, he opened a candy shop in Pensacola called "Bubba's Sweet Spot," serving up premium candy and ice cream.

"What American doesn't like chocolate? So for me, it was something fun," Watson said. "That really is a kid in a candy store, like everyone talks about. We built it from scratch. That wasn't buying a shop."

And he didn't stop there. His latest venture is a car dealership, Sandy and Bubba's Milton Chevrolet (he thinks the new electric car is going to be big), along with a robotics company in Pensacola that makes everything from military equipment to toys.

He has invested in a few golf courses, and he is involved in an apartment complex being built in Pensacola.

"It's funny, I say to my friends, I say to my wife, to my manager, to my team that if you say 'Bubba Watson the golfer,' then you're limiting who I am, who I want to be and who I think I am," Watson said at the HSBC Champions. "These other businesses are fun. Golf is fun. The golf is great. But there are other things I want to do. I have other dreams. Golf made it possible. Luckily for me, haven't had bank loans. I'm able to pay cash for these things."

Watson, 38, who defends his title next week in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, has 10 victories worldwide, and his PGA Tour earnings alone top $35 million.

Can't play, can't win

Linebacker Jerrell Freeman became the second Chicago player suspended in a week for violating the NFL's policy on PED, joining Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery.

"The Bears are 2-8," wrote Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com. "Maybe this should be a warning to others, not only will PEDs get you suspended, they apparently don't work."

Wife-saver

Major League Baseball has honored a Philadelphia Phillies fan for making a wife-saving catch.

Dennis Pollock caught a foul ball May 16 at Citizens Bank Park just before it hit his wife's face.

Philly.com said Major League Baseball has named Pollock's barehanded grab the Best Fan Catch of the Year. The honor was announced Friday.

The Phillies were playing the Miami Marlins when Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis fouled off a pitch that was headed right toward Louise Pollock.

Dennis Pollock said he reflexively grabbed for the ball and is now getting recognized in public as "the guy who caught that foul ball."

Sports on 11/23/2016

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