New babies give Watson and Byrd new perspective on life

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Jonathan Byrd wears a pink ribbon on his cap during Tuesday's practice round.
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Bubba Watson smiles on the 13th green during the first round of the 2012 Masters Tournament.
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Bubba Watson walks on the fourth green during Wednesday's Par-3 Contest of the 2012 Masters Tournament.

At least two golfers had bigger things on their minds Thursday than winning the Masters Tournament.

Jonathan Byrd and Bubba Watson both welcomed new children into their lives recently, just in time for their trip to Augusta National Golf Club.

Byrd’s wife gave birth through caesarean section on March 30 to a six-pound, six-ounce girl named Kate. The 34-year-old former Clemson golfer said he took a break from practicing around the birth, which gave him a mental break and a better perspective on life.

“That’s a much greater experience than playing in any Masters,” said Byrd, who shot even-par 72 in Thursday’s opening round.

Byrd said he and wife Amanda considered names of Augusta National holes while choosing one for their baby girl but settled on Kate.

Bubba Watson, 33, and his wife Angie also announced their adoption of a one-month old boy late last month. The two golfers congratulated each other about the new additions through Twitter.

“I know what a desire they had to adopt and have a child of their own,” Byrd said.

Watson, who is tied for fourth after shooting 3-under 69 Thursday, said his practice routine before the Masters was not interrupted by the adoption, since the couple picked up baby Caleb from south Florida last Monday and he flew into Augusta on Saturday.

Until he goes home, Watson said his wife is holding down the new-parent duties.

“It’s not fun because my baby’s at home and I have to play,” Watson said.