Davis Love III believes Bubba Watson’s request to be a vice-captain shows the togetherness of the US team ahead of this week’s Ryder Cup.
Despite missing out on automatic qualification by just a single place, Watson was overlooked for a wildcard pick, with Matt Kuchar, J.B.
Holmes, Rickie Fowler and Ryan Moore given the nod. Skipper Love only decided to select Moore after seeing him lose out in a play-off to Rory McIlroy on Sunday at the Tour Championship.
When the captain told Watson of his decision, the Floridian immediately asked to be involved as one of his assistants.
The USA are currently the 1.53 favourites to win the biennial event for the first time since 2008, with the tie 12.00 and Europe 2.80.
Having played in the last three Ryder Cups, the two-time Masters champion has plenty of experience to share with the team and joins Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker and Tom Lehman as part of Love’s backroom staff at Hazeltine.
The American skipper confirmed the news on Monday and believes the selflessness of Watson’s act shows the commitment of everyone involved with the team.
“Bubba was disappointed not to be on the team but offered a couple of times to be an assistant captain so he is back in the hotel changing from player clothes to assistant captain clothes,”
Love told a press conference. “I called him and told him I was going in a different direction and he immediately said I still want to be a part of this team if you’ll have me – an incredible gesture.
“When I told the team members and assistant captains last night, we were still in disbelief. “What Bubba did really shows how together the US team really is and we are excited to have him.”
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