Watson named USA’s fifth vice-captain

World number seven Bubba Watson was handed a Ryder Cup vice captaincy after being overlooked for the 12-man squad.
Watson, a two-time Masters champion that has featured in the last three Ryder Cups, failed to make the cut for the squad as captain Davis Love's final wildcard was used on the in-form Ryan Moore, who finished runner-up to Rory McIlroy at the Tour Championship last week.
Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Tom Lehman and Steve Stricker are the other vice-captains on Love's team.
"When we started talking about this year's event we felt we needed experience, with some former captain experience and possible future captain experience," Love said. "Bubba has major championship experience and has Ryder Cup experience.
"He adds a lot of fun and brings a great heart. We're thrilled to have him."
Love added that he decided to pick Watson as it gave him a group of vice-captains that are different mentally.
"We have a mix of guys who think differently," he said. "You couldn't put five guys together of differing personalities who get along so well."
Even though Watson missed out on the squad to face Europe, Love revealed that the 37-year-old still wanted to help in any capacity.
"I called him and told him I was going in a different direction and he immediately said, 'I still want to be a part of this team if you'll have me' – an incredible gesture," Love said. "When I told the team members and assistant captains, we were in disbelief.
"What Bubba did really shows how together the US team really is and we are excited to have him."
The United States head to the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota this weekend looking to stop Europe from winning the event for the fourth successive time.
Latest
-
News
R&A: ‘No plans’ for Open to head to Donald Trump-owned Turnberry in near future
Trump National in Bedminster was on Sunday stripped of next year’s US PGA Championship.
-
News
US PGA Championship moved from Donald Trump-owned course in New Jersey
Trump National in Bedminster had been set to host the event.
-
News
Justin Thomas : ‘I made a terrible, terrible judgement call’
Thomas admitted he was distracted by what happened on Saturday during his final round.
-
News
PGA Championship to be moved away from Donald Trump-owned course
It is the second time in six years the PGA has moved an event away from a course owned by Donald Trump.
-
News
‘It’s inexcusable’ – Justin Thomas apologises for homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three was heard using the derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt.
-
News
Westwood, McDowell back petition to allow English golf courses to open
The duo have added their names to a petition that has passed 100 000 signatures.
-
News
Xander Schauffele pledges to ‘fake it until I make it’ after contracting Covid
Schauffele is one of 16 players in the Sentry Tournament of Champions who failed to win an official event last season.
-
News
After years with TaylorMade, Jon Rahm joins Callaway
Spaniard will have Callaway woods and irons in his bag at Sentry Tournament of Champions.
-
News
What to expect from the 2021 OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
There are more prestigious events on the European Tour, but there’s no denying that the Dubai Desert Classic just has something about it.
-
News
Organisers delay ticketing process for 2021 Masters as another fan shutout looms
Augusta National Golf Club is considering its options before making a call on 2021 Masters.