On Saturday, Watts was on hand for the grand opening of the Pinewood Country Club front nine.
The front nine holes have been under construction for the past eight months. The result is a course with the potential to become a major state championship setting.
Watts, who was a NCAA champion at Oklahoma State, turned pro in 1988.
After initially struggling to get his PGA tour card, the now 25th ranked player in the world went overseas to play in the Japanese PGA Tour. The turning point in his career came in 1993, when he won the Hong Kon Open.
"Playing in Japan had a real positive effect," said Watts. "I found my game there. It gave me a lot of confidence."
Following a thrilling playoff defeat to Mark O'Meara in the 1998 British Open, Watts took a step forward to becoming a household name in the United States. But, his performance at Royal Birkdale was important for other reasons than just fame.
"I was disappointed that I didn't win," said Watts, "but I received a PGA one-years exemption. Now, my wife and son get to travel with me."
During Saturday's festivities at Pinewood Country Club, Watts put on a clinic about fundamentals of the golf swing and later found time to autograph hats.
Throughout the reopening of this fine southeastern Louisiana golf course, Watts demonstrated why he is a rising star in the game of golf on and off the fairways.