Sports

A little rain has Bubba Watson whining like a baby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bubba Watson, one of the most popular players among golf fans, did his image no favors on Friday, acting like a petulant child while trying to handle the rainy, wet conditions players were faced with in the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla.

With a PGA microphone following his group, which included Rory McIlroy and Martin Kayer, Watson was heard complaining all morning, at times using expletives, somewhat surprising for a player who professes to be religious.

“Water on the club face, bro … water on the club face. I’ve got no chance,’’ Watson said to his caddie, Ted Scott, at one point.

After Watson missed the green at 16, he bellyached: “I can’t play golf, man. I got nothing.’’

Then at the 18th, he said, “It doesn’t matter what I do, man. It doesn’t matter. It’s [bleeping] horse [bleep].’’

Watson, who finished at even par to make the cut, but trails McIlroy by nine shots, was ripped all afternoon on social media. Later in the day, he issued a Twitter message of his own that read: “Sorry for my actions today! Trying to get better as person. Thanks to all who support me. #YallDontGiveUpOnMe’’

This came just a few days after Watson refused to participate in a fun-for-the-fans long-drive contest, purposely hitting a 3-iron off the 10th tee to, as he put it, “make a point,’’ when he admitted he’d be hitting a driver off it all week. Watson later ridiculed the contest.

“Everyone out here moans about something,’’ McIlroy said diplomatically. “It’s just part of it. I could see how some may be affected by it. I’ve been guilty of it before, but [Watson’s behavior] didn’t affect me.’’

After the round, Watson declined to speak with reporters, ducking out a back door of the clubhouse.


There was some grumbling from players about tournament officials not opting to let them play lift, clean and place because of the wet conditions.

“We were playing the ball down, which in my book was not the best idea,’’ Henrik Stenson said. “I definitely think we should have played the ball up, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m not the only one thinking that.’’

Vijay Singh called it the conditions “suspect,’’ adding, “It was almost unplayable on the driving range.’’

“We were questioning in the first fairway why we had to hit into a puddle,’’ Ryan Palmer said. “We were questioning why we have to hit a second shot into a green that’s already in standing water. They said, ‘It’s just golf.’ We’re like, ‘Tell that to the guy indoors that’s making that decision to come check it out, because it’s wet.’ ’’


None of the New York Met Area club pros made the cut — nor did any other club pros.

Jim McGovern of Oradell, N.J., a former PGA Tour pro who is now the head pro at White Beeches Country Club in Haworth, N.J., shot 74 Friday after an opening-round 83. Frank Esposito, the head pro at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, N.J., followed his opening-round 83 with a 78. And Rob Corcoran, the pro at Poxabogue in the Hamptons, shot 77 to follow his opening-round 76.


Tom Watson, who turns 65 in September, finished 3-over par to miss the cut, but he played more than admirably — outperforming a number of the younger stars of the game. Other Champions Tour players, such as Kenny Perry, Singh and Colin Montgomerie, made the cut.


Ben Crane withdrew before play with a back injury. Boo Weekley, one of the Ryder Cup heroes for the U.S. in 2008 at Valhalla, and Angel Cabrera both withdrew mid-round with shoulder injuries. Kiradech Aphibarnrat also withdrew with a knee injury in the middle of his round.