Bubba Watson wants to be Ryder Cup vice-captain if not a player

Bubba Watson didn’t get off to the best start on Thursday in the Tour Championship, shooting a 2-over 72 that has him six shots back of three players, including Dustin Johnson, at East Lake.

Watson has three more rounds to make a positive impression on U.S. Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III, who will make his final of four wild-card picks after the tournament ends on Sunday during halftime of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” While Love has said that hopefuls in the Atlanta field shouldn’t consider the tournament a four-round tryout for the last spot, the pressure clearly affected Watson.

Bubba Watson didn't play his best on Thursday at East Lake. (Getty Images)
Bubba Watson didn’t play his best on Thursday at East Lake. (Getty Images)

Justin Thomas and Daniel Berger, who, along with Watson, were invited to an informal practice session at Ryder Cup host Hazeltine National on Monday. Berger fared worse than Watson, shooting 74. Thomas, however, shot 68 and plays Friday with Jordan Spieth.

Perhaps reading the tea leaves from the first three picks, Watson may well have been resigned to a fate of not making the team. Knowing that it could be a realistic possibility, the world No. 7 and the first man out of an automatic spot on the U.S. team still wants to be part of the American cause in Minnesota. Watson made it known to Love in a text message.

“I sent him a text that said, ‘Can I be an assistant captain if you don’t pick me?’ So I put it out there,” Watson said Thursday. “I want to be a part of the team no matter what.”

The U.S. side has four vice-captains now — Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker, Tom Lehman and Jim Furyk — but is afforded a fifth under the rules. Vice-captain Bubba, if not chosen to play, could be a great American cheerleader.


Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.


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