Bubba named US assistant captain for Ryder Cup

CHASKA — Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson will get to be part of the US Ryder Cup team after all, even though the seventh-ranked star was not selected as a captain’s pick.

US captain Davis Love named Watson an assistant captain on Monday, four days before the Americans face holders Europe in the 41st edition of the biennial men’s golf team matches at Hazeltine.

Watson was among the final selections for the last US captain’s selection that was given Sunday to first-time Cup starter Ryan Moore hours after he finished second in a playoff to Rory McIlroy at the Tour Championship.

Love said that just after he told Watson that he was not selecting him to play, Watson volunteered to help the cause in order to be part of the group they hope will win back the trophy after three losses in a row.

“He said, ‘I still want to be a part of this team if you’ll have me,’” Love said of Watson. “We’re still in disbelief. It was an incredible gesture.”

While some critics worried Watson could be a disruptive figure on the US squad, Love said nothing of the sort was true.

“He adds a lot of fun, a different personality,” Love said. “He brings a great heart. We’re thrilled to have him on this team.” —