Tour News
Not picked? No problem: Bubba Watson joins U.S. team as Vice Captain
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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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
GolfWRX is on site this week in McKinney, Texas, at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (FKA the AT&T Byron Nelson).
Last year at TPC Craig Ranch, Jason Day ended a five-year winless streak. J-Day is in the field again, as are Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Will Zalatoris.
We have our usual assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums for your perusal. As always, we’ll continue to add links to additional albums as they make their way to us from the Lone Star State.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Pierceson Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kris Kim – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- David Nyfjall – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Adrien Dumont de Chassart – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Jarred Jetter – North Texas PGA Section Champ – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Richy Werenski – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Wesley Bryan – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Parker Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Peter Kuest – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Blaine Hale, Jr. – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kelly Kraft – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Rico Hoey – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Pullout Albums
- Adam Scott’s 2 new custom L.A.B. Golf putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Scotty Cameron putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Ben Griffin playing Maxfli golf ball
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.
We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.
We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.
Check out links to all our photos, below.
General Albums
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #2
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Justin Thomas – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Rose – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Chandler Phillips – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Nick Dunlap – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Thomas Detry – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Austin Eckroat – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Jason Day – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Ludvig Aberg – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Collin Morikawa – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Sam Burns – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Stephen Jaeger – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
Pullout Albums
- Wyndham Clark’s Odyssey putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- JT’s new Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Thomas testing new Titleist 2 wood – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey putter with triple track alignment aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Scotty Cameron The Blk Box putting alignment aid/training aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey Ai One Eleven T putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Christian Bezuidenhout – testing new Callaway Ti 340 mini driver – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele testing the Callaway Ti 340 mini driver & the DUW – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Byeong Hun An, two new L.A.B. Golf putter builds with “T” alignment – 2024 RBC Heritage
See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.
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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.
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
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.
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.
Mike Honcho
Sep 28, 2016 at 9:59 am
MISTAKE! DISTRACTION!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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..