Bubba Watson: Why I’d quit playing LIV for Rory McIlroy

Fervent speculation surrounding big name signings might have cooled, but Bubba Watson insists there is still huge outside interest in joining LIV Golf.

For a second straight winter, Tony Finau has shut down rumours that he is swapping the PGA Tour for the breakaway league, while clues are scarce relating to other imminent arrivals.

With LIV officials hoping to announce a complete roster by the end of the month, the clock is ticking and signings of the calibre of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton at this stage appear unlikely.

“We have, it’s just making it right.” Watson told bunkered.co.uk when asked about interest in his Range Goats team from card holders on the traditional tours.

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“People want a lot of money. After we took the chance, we did all the stuff to make the league start, people think they’re owed as well. We’re letting it play out and letting the LIV executives play out.

“There’s a few out there. There’s a couple teams battling for the same person. We’re looking everywhere, the best amateurs. I’m not looking just for an American. Someone who can help us going forward. I would love to see a bit more youth on my team. From next week we’ve got to make moves fast.”

Watson, meanwhile, finds himself in a rather curious situation as a LIV captain and team owner.

The 46-year-old was relegated after a mediocre season that yielded just one top-20 finish, but can effectively bring himself back into the fold on what is being determined a “business case.”

It is understood that is the likely scenario, with Watson confirming after missing the cut here at the Asian Tour’s PIF Saudi International that he would not be playing in next week’s LIV Promotions event.

“My dream scenario is play next year,” the two-time Masters champ added. “I’m the owner, if I really want to I can put myself in there. We’ve got to just see what’s out there, what’s available.

“Rory might call me and say ‘hey man, can I have a spot?’ I don’t know. That’s what I’m saying. We’ve got to wait and see.”

Watson’s words might have been tongue-in-cheek, but how would that hypothetical scenario play out?

“I would give it to him fast,” he replied. “I would sit at home and watch him play – I take that back, I would caddie for him, make sure he had enough water and all that stuff!”

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LIV’s critics, though, have always focused on the idea that the league is a ‘closed shop’ that lacks meritocratic pathways.

The Promotions Event here in Riyadh will provide one guaranteed spot – down from three last season – while players who finished in the ‘Drop Zone’ can be saved based on their importance to the league.

So what does Watson have to say to the naysayers?

“Look at all sports,” he pointed out. “I love the NBA. There’s guys that play and stay in the league when you could easily say ‘go get a young guy.’

“The LIV Promotions was about world ranking, changing out the people. But with no world ranking points we don’t need to change out the people. Let the captains dictate what is best and let us hand pick who we want. That’s how you do a team in any sport.”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.