bubba watson

bubba watson’s unabashed enthusiasm for the ryder cup was evident minutes after he lost a playoff to martin kaymer in the pga championship, so it should be no surprise to learn that the long-hitting lefty has already taken unorthodox steps to prepare for celtic manor. he purchased a copy of ea sports’ tiger woods pga tour 11 for Xbox 360, which features a digital version of the twenty ten course. he then played it with friends for five straight days before the fedex cup playoffs began. (his scores ranged from 55 on the easy mode to 67 on the most difficult “with gusty winds and stuff,” watson said.) his virtual course knowledge and spirit will come in handy because watson, 31, admits it has taken him time to adjust to every level in his pro career, and he isn’t going to have the luxury of time in wales. one of five u.s. rookies, watson has to learn on the job, and his classroom is a place where the natives will be whooping it up around boiling cauldrons of water. but watson might just have the right stuff. he brings sufficient game with top-six ranks in driving distance, eagles and birdies. but perhaps more important, he’s a bit of a free spirit and a flake like fellow milton (fla.) high, product boo weekley, who thrived during america’s ’08 ryder cup win. to wit: asked what made him an attractive partner, watson eschewed mention of his skills: “because i’m good looking. that’s how it is.” at least he has promised not to ride the pony down the fairway.