Watson puts bad press behind him

American Bubba Watson says he has learnt from his slating in the press at the Alstom Open de France and is ready to compete this week at Royal St George’s.

Speaking after his second round two weeks ago, the big-hitter complained of the unfriendly playing conditions that caused him to miss the cut.

“It’s different for me, there’s cameras, there’s phones, there’s everything, no security, I don’t know which holes to walk through, there’s no ropes,” said Watson.

But speaking after his final practice round before The Open starts, he believes too much was made over his comments during his first European Tour appearance.

“The last few weeks have been a learning experience. I played some bad golf and the media didn’t go wild with what I said. It’s behind me now and hopefully I’ll learn from it.”

“I believe the press made more of it than what it was. I’m afraid of heights, I’m afraid of the dark and I’m afraid of big crowds. So it’s natural, I’m a human being. Some people aren’t afraid of those things but that doesn’t make them better than me. I told them the truth, I told them the difference between the tournament and what I’m used to and people ran with the stories, they can make me look good or bad that’s their choice. I can’t worry about that, I’ve said my apologies.”

Watson also said he was keen to return to the tournament next year to play the course that will host the 2018 Ryder Cup. 

“I’ve spoken to the tournament director, they understand I wasn’t trying to say anything mean. I hung out with them all week, had dinner with them. They want me to come back. I told them I’m coming back if everything fits in my schedule. I want to go back next year. The golf course is awesome. It’s a tough finish and you’ve got to have you’re A-game.”

Watson may be afraid of the dark and heights, but he’s not scared of the strong winds howling through the course this week.

“The wind here is different to the wind in the US. Here, it rolls forever downwind when it hits the ground. In the States, the ball still stops whether it’s downwind or into the wind. Here, it’s four clubs down or four clubs into the wind. Hopefully I can play good. I haven’t made the cut in an open yet in two tries, maybe this week could be third time lucky.”

Watson is renowned for his extravagant long game but believes his short game will be key if he’s to win his first major title.

“I’ve got just as good a chance to win as anybody else if I putt well. You’ve got to be on top of your short game this week. Being able to chip and putt, that’s what it’s going to come down to.”

Watson tees off at 1.43pm on Thursday with Graeme McDowell and Jason Day.