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Not picked? No problem: Bubba Watson joins U.S. team as Vice Captain

Published

9 years ago

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News you may have missed during the lead-up to the Ryan Moore captain’s pick selection: Captain Davis Love III’s side has also added another member. Bubba Watson, who finished ninth in the final Ryder Cup standings, will join the team as a vice-captain at Hazeltine.

Watson has participated in three Ryder Cups, but he hasn’t recorded a top-10 finish on the PGA Tour since the WGC-Cadillac Championship in March, leading to exclusion from the squad.

Related: Did Love III get his captain’s picks right?

Now, at his own request, Watson joins Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Tom Lehman and Steve Stricker in vice-captaincy for the American side. And if you’re scoring at home, that makes 12 players and six captains on the U.S. side.

Captain Darren Clarke’s European side has five vice-captains: Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie, Ian Poulter and Sam Torrance.

Regarding his captains, Love said: “We have a mix of guys who think differently. You couldn’t put five guys together of differing personalities who get along so well.”

“And what does he add?,” Love continued. “He adds a guy to drive our sixth red golf cart and be supportive. He and I have already talked about what he and I can do while the other four captains are watching a match, the strategies that we can do. He adds a lot of fun. He adds a different personality. But he brings a great heart.”

The BBC’s Ian Carter had an interesting take on the Bubba VC decision.

“Bubba Watson is ranked seventh in the world, so if you were going to pick him because he is a top-10 player in the world, it makes total sense. If you’re going to drop someone who is a top-10 player, then it is clearly down to a lack of chemistry. But here he is in the backroom staff. It’s fascinating.”

Fascinating, indeed.

*Featured image per Bubba Watson on Twitter.

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Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

9 Comments

9 Comments

  1. Dave r

    Sep 29, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    I’m no Bubba fan but he should have been on the team to begin with. I guess there’s way to many know it alls already on the team . Remember there is no I in team but that team is filled with them me me I I guys . Will never understand why the states have such a tough time tons of talent and not a team member amogest them.

    Reply Report comment

  2. Mr. Wedge

    Sep 29, 2016 at 11:20 am

    Hey I’ve got the weekend off and I’d like to be a captain too. Gonna ask DLIII. I think I’ve got a good shot

    Reply Report comment

  3. Richard Grime

    Sep 28, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    I’m English, so bear that in mind, however I would have picked Bubba weeks ago if I was DL. He is no 7 in the world rankings, with two green jackets and a big, big hitter on a long course. If he is not liked by the team then why have him in the team room? Strange.

    Reply Report comment

  4. ChrisG

    Sep 28, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    I thought maybe Bubba wasn’t picked because of his personality. But if that was the case — no way he would be chosen as VC. This selection really surprises me … seems like it would be awkward.

    Reply Report comment

  5. Mike Honcho

    Sep 28, 2016 at 9:59 am

    MISTAKE! DISTRACTION!!!!

    Reply Report comment

  6. Blake

    Sep 27, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    Silly to pick another VC. Especially someone who was a candidate for the team and didnt get picked.

    Reply Report comment

  7. ooffa

    Sep 27, 2016 at 10:10 am

    Why, Why, Why, Just go home, be with your family. How many captains are needed? This has become stupid. There is no more individualized game in the world then golf. One captain and one personal assistant to take care of the room service orders and travel planning. That’s all they need and all they should have.

    Reply Report comment

    • Jack

      Sep 28, 2016 at 3:05 am

      This is what Team USA needs actually. In the past the Euro side had a lot more team camaraderie and won often. This is a team even as much as you like to think golf isn’t, as the team atmosphere can lift the entire team. 6 captains are good so every team can have a guy cheering them on. Even the Euro side has 5, so it’s not a stretch. Plus, Bubba volunteered so it’s not really DLIII making the call. I think it’s right to include him to make it more fun.

      Reply Report comment

      • Mr. Wedge

        Sep 29, 2016 at 11:19 am

        The USA hasn’t lacked camaraderie. Maybe an argument could be made for 2014, but that was more between the players and captain. So what do they do? Add more captains…dumb decision IMO. Too many captains..

        Reply Report comment

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