Golfer Watson buys stake in Pensacola

Golf champion Bubba Watson has shifted from the fairway to the outfield, purchasing a minority share in his hometown Pensacola Blue Wahoos, it was announced Monday.

Born in Pensacola, Florida, and raised in nearby Bagdad, the two-time Masters champion announced his partnership with the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds during an on-field press conference at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.

Per team rules, the financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Ever since I went to my first Blue Wahoos game, I have been a big fan of the team," said Watson, who won golf's most prestigious tournament in 2012 and 2014 and has seven PGA Tour titles to his name. "I love the atmosphere, it's such a great place to go with friends and family. I wish Pensacola had a team like this when I was growing up.

"There's something special about pulling for the hometown team. It's great that [owners] Quint and Rishy [Studer] were willing to let me be a part of it. I look forward to a long and exciting partnership with them. I just hope Quint doesn't get tired of my crazy ideas because I have been known to have a few. One thing I know for sure is that you won't see me out there in a uniform playing. I already asked, and they said I can't do that even if I own part of the team."

Following the announcement of the partnership, Watson took two ceremonial swings from home plate -- one with his signature hot pink-shafted driver and the other with a Louisville slugger. Jamie Walczak, who pitched for the Wahoos last season, threw to Watson. Bubba is no stranger to the team's home field. He threw a ceremonial first pitch at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium in 2012 after his first Masters victory and he repeated the ceremony again last season while wearing the famed green jacket after his second win at Augusta.

Located on Pensacola Bay in northwestern Florida, the Blue Wahoos will begin selling co-branded merchandise and a "Bubba Dub," a double decker grilled cheese sandwich with crispy hash browns inside. The restaurant and bar behind home plate will be renamed "Bubba's Sand Trap," the team said in a press release Monday.

Majority owner Quint Studer said in a statement: "We are thrilled to welcome Bubba Watson into the ownership and to have Bubba's family, Angie, Caleb and Dakota, as part of the Wahoos family, enjoying the Wahoos life. Over the years, many have been touched by Bubba beyond golf. His work to make life better for others is what attracted [co-owner] Rishy Studer and I to him. Bubba sends a message of belief and giving, always striving to be the best he can be.

"Rishy, Bubba and I all view the Wahoos as an investment in improving the quality of life for people. Together we will continue to create great experiences for all ages, make lifelong memories for our fans, be a super place to work and now, with Bubba's leadership, we will gain a national and international awareness for the Blue Wahoos and northwest Florida."

The Blue Wahoos finished a combined 60-80 last season, its third under their current name since the team relocated and rebranded from the Carolina Mudcats in 2012.