The story of Bubba Watson at the 2014 PGA Championship begins as he sat at -2 for the day without a single bogey.
“I can’t play golf man. I got nothing.”
…said Bubba Watson after his approach shot on the 16th at Valhalla found the rough on the right. Throughout the day, Watson complained about rain frequently, trying (and failing) to adapt to the conditions by wearing a normal glove, then a rain glove, then no glove.
1) “Water on the clubface, bro … water on the clubface. I got no chance,” said Bubba to his caddy as the shots began going all directions but straight.
2) “It doesn’t matter what I do man. It doesn’t matter. It’s f*cking horseshit,” said Bubba on the 18th as his shot flew into a water hazard. The composure was pretty much nonexistent at this point.
3) Rory, one of Bubba’s playing partners for the round, summed it up with a simple remark: “You have to stand on the other side of the tee box.”
-=Brink of Greatness: How Rory Handled the Weather=-
Watson issued an apology on Twitter for his behavior:
Sorry for my actions today! Trying to get better as person. Thanks to all who support me. #YallDontGiveUpOnMe
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) August 8, 2014
With the Ryder Cup looming and Bubba Watson sitting on top of Tom Watson’s list, one has to wonder whether or not he’ll be able to tame his frustrations in time for the big event versus Europe.
One network golf commentator suggested that Bubba’s caddy, Ted Scott, be considered for “sainthood” for weathering through Bubba’s frustration (yes, pun intended). Overall, it’s been a rough week for Watson, who’s had to deal with criticism from usually loyal fans for failing to loosen up on the long-drive competition of Tuesday’s practice round on the 10th tee.
He can take the tournament as seriously as he wants, but his composure crossed the boundary of seriousness into the realm of anal. He tried to play the game of golf so perfectly that even a par save after a wayward approach on the 16th couldn’t please him, and that, friends, is when you cease to play golf and let golf play you.
