Amid the emotion and the tears double Augusta winning Bubba Watson is clearly looking ahead to competing in September’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
Watson was fitted for a second Augusta green jacket in three years winning comfortably by three shots in contrast to his first victory when he played a miracle play-off shot from trees.
The Bagdad-born American jumped eight places to No. 4 in the world while he is now also fourth on Tom Watson’s USA Ryder Cup list of qualifiers.
Watson’s maiden Masters win saw him qualify automatically for the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah where he won two of his four matches.
Teary-eyed Bubba Watson with clear focus on playing in September’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
His second Augusta National success will guarantee he competes in this year’s encounter in Scotland.
“It’s an amazing feeling to have a chance to go to Scotland and the Home of Golf”, he said.
“I mean, how would you not want to play golf there?
“I just love it, going over there and playing golf, so I can’t wait. I know my Masters win is double points Ryder Cup points, so I figure I will make the team.
“It’s a great feeling and I can’t wait to get over there.
“Obviously, sorry to say that, but I’d like to win one. I haven’t won a Ryder Cup yet, so that’s the next big tournament I’d like to win.
“But no, I’d love to go over there, and again, and that’s what we call the Home of Golf, so it will be great.”
Watson now has the same number of green jackets as his USA Ryder Cup captain namesake, and with Tom Watson tweeting soon after his victory: “Way to go Bubba. Enjoy your victory. See you on the plane to Gleneagles.”
However while Watson will tee-up in July’s Open Championship he won’t be tempted to contest the Aberdeen Asset Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen.
“No, I’m playing the Greenbrier Classic which is the week before and then I will be over for the British Open,” he said.
The Greenbrier will be defended by Sweden’s Jonas Blixt who jumped from 46th to 14th overall on the Ryder Cup points table, and the assurance now of playing all four Majors having moved from 56th to 33rd on the World Rankings.
Blixt’s share of second in the Masters was only his third Major Championship.
