Watson overcame a six-stroke

Watson overcame a six-stroke deficit during the final round to force a playoff with Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank and won on the second playoff hole. Watson is hoping to become the first back-to-back champion since Phil Mickelson in 2001 and 2002. Since that victory, Watson has won twice more: at Torrey Pines in January and New Orleans in May. He is second in the FedEx cup standings, and credits his recent success to the confidence that came with winning in Connecticut. "It showed me that I can play the game of golf," he said. "It showed me that by winning here I can play with the guys. I belonged out here, I guess. It just gave me confidence, going forward the rest of my career, no matter how long or how short." Mickelson isn't here this year. U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy also is skipping the tournament, and the injured Tiger Woods has never played in the event. The field includes Padraig Harrington, Zach Johnson and Anthony Kim along with players who are looking to make a name for themselves— just as Watson, Mahan and Henry did before them. "There's nothing like accomplishing a big goal, and that's the goal of every PGA Tour player is to win, especially when you're just coming out of college or the Nationwide Tour," Mahan said. "There is no better feeling."