In LIV Golf’s first season, renowned golf player Bubba Watson served mainly as a non-playing captain. This unorthodox role in the nascent league was a new experience for the two-time Masters champion.
Bubba Watson’s Journey in LIV Golf
Watson joined LIV Golf’s pioneering tour as a non-playing captain during its third event at Trump National Bedminster in New Jersey. This decision was due to a torn meniscus, which he was still recovering from. Despite his limited participation, Watson was determined to get back to form and compete in LIV in 2023. Although he had a slow start with only three top-20 finishes in his first 13 games, Watson remained optimistic. It’s important to note that LIV events feature a limited field of 48 players.
Watson’s Future as a Non-Playing Role
Even after just one year in his playing captain role, Watson was already considering a transition back to a non-playing role for his team, the RangeGoats GC. Watson expressed his vision for his future in the league, stating, “In the future, I want to continue being involved in the game, but there will come a point when I will step back.”
Watson sees himself as a supportive figure, cheering his team on from the sidelines, and encouraging younger talent. With a pragmatic approach, Watson believes in the potential of new, dynamic players taking his place if they prove to be superior in skill.
Performance Evaluation: Bubba Watson
Watson concluded the season ranked 36th on the LIV points list, a mere eight positions and eight points away from the relegation zone. Despite this, his captain status secures his place in the next season. He has been candid about his performance, often referring to himself as the weakest link on his team, which also includes season-long champion Talor Gooch, Harold Varner III, and Thomas Pieters.
Watson’s Views on Team Strategy
Despite his desire to continue playing, Watson was not necessarily keen on playing against other captains. He expressed his wish for more flexibility in the league’s rules, enabling teams to strategize their games more effectively. He suggested that captains should have the freedom to decide which player goes first or who they play against, similar to the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup.
Watson’s RangeGoats Moving Forward
Watson’s RangeGoats finished fourth in the season-long standings, earning a bye for the quarterfinal round and the privilege to select their competitors for Saturday’s games. As the team moves forward, Watson’s wisdom and experience, whether as a player or non-playing captain, will undoubtedly continue to guide the RangeGoats.
By: Adam Woodard
Title: Understanding Bubba Watson’s Non-Playing Role in LIV Golf
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/10/19/bubba-watson-non-playing-captain-liv-golf-rangegoats/
Published Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:31:39 +0000
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