Originally published November 12, 2017:

“Although equipment switches are hot news items in golf, a player changing ball companies rarely garners waves. Of course, Bubba Watson is not your average bird, and his move to Volvik—a manufacturer known for its brightly-colored rocks—last January was one of the more interesting stories in the ball realm in quite some time.

Alas, the two entities have parted ways, as Watson is returning to the Titleist ProV1x at this week’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

“My contract is done with Volvik. I do not have a ball deal as we sit here today,” Watson said to reporters in Las Vegas. “So I can play with whatever ball I want to. My deal was up, and so I’m ball-free.”” –  Golfworld

I hate to say I told you so, but “I told you so.”  As soon as Bubba made this move, I told my golf buddies that Bubba wouldn’t do crap this year.  Sure enough, he didn’t, and he’s moved back to his trusted Titleist ball that won him the Masters twice (somehow).

I’ll admit it, I’m a Bubba hater.  I just don’t really like the guy, and I’m fine with him not winning anything last year.  Regardless of that, I always thought this was a bad move.  Moving from Titleist to Callaway or Taylormade is a big enough jump, but going to Volvik?  Come on.  I’m sure they threw a ton of money at him and said, “We will make a ball exactly how you want it.  And even better, we will make it pink!”  and Bubba jumped all over it.  Clearly it didn’t work.  I’d be interested to see how much Volvik paid Bubba, because I bet it’s not nearly as much as as the dropoff in winnings he experienced this year due to the change.