Bubba won’t be mean to win Ryder Cup
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Bubba Watson says he may be “too nice” for the Ryder Cup, but has no intention of adding a mean streak.
Watson and partner Matt Kuchar lost their Saturday fourballs clash with Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, a record-breaking match that saw the two teams a combined 21-under through 16 holes with Europe birdieing 10 holes in a row. The defeat leaves the American pair pointless going into the Sunday singles at Gleneagles.
“I cheer the other guys on too much,” said Watson, who was repeatedly seen congratulating Rose and Stenson on their shots. “I’m just out there having fun. Maybe I make it too comfortable for the other guys. I’m not going to be mean to anybody. I’m just going to play golf.”
That’s Watson’s personality – an entertainer who wants to be liked. That much has been clear from the two-time Masters champion’s very first shot in this Ryder Cup, urging the crowd to cheer loudly during his swing. It was evident again yesterday morning as he toyed with the crowd during his first tee practice swings, signaling ‘fore left’ after every one, before encouraging cheering again.
“I’m not going to be that guy,” Watson said when asked if he’d add a mean streak to improve his Ryder Cup record. “It’s about growing our great game. That’s why The Ryder Cup started and that’s the thing we need to tell everybody is that we’re here to grow the game of golf. I’m never going to be mean to anybody. I don’t want to play golf if I have to be mean to somebody. I’ve got no reason to be mean.”
In all fairness to Watson, his and Kuchar’s display would have been good enough to secure a point for the US on almost any other day of any Ryder Cup. The American duo was nine-under through the 16 holes they played, with Europe’s duo an incredible 12-under. “I didn’t make bogeys, I didn’t make doubles,” Watson said. “I made birdies and just not enough of them, so there’s no reason to get mad. I’m not going to play the game if I have to be mean to somebody. I’m never going to do that. I’m always going to pull for the other guy.”
Perhaps Watson could learn a lesson from the man who has beaten him twice in two days. Rose is widely regarded as one of golf’s nice guys but he’s at Gleneagles to win, not make friends – there will be plenty of time for that at the post-match party tonight.
