After capturing the WGC-Dell Match Play Championship on Sunday evening, Bubba Watson told the NBC audience that he intends to make the Ryder Cup team in 2018.
“I hope (Ryder Cup captain) Jim Furyk is watching, because I really want to play in France,” Watson declared. “I want to be a vice captain, but I’d rather play.”
In 2016, despite being ranked No. 10 in the world, Watson’s career was in a tailspin and was passed over by captain Davis Love III, and instead was named a vice captain.
For the matches this fall in Paris, Watson is nearly guaranteed to be inside the ropes after winning his second title of the season in Texas. Bubba now ranks No. 3 – up eight spots from No. 11 – in the standings, and behind only Justin Thomas and Dustin Johnson.
THE TOP 12
1. Justin Thomas (5,794.023)
2. Dustin Johnson (4,489.739)
3. Bubba Watson (3,482.231)
4. Brooks Koepka (3,464.658)
5. Phil Mickelson (3,255.122)
6. Jordan Spieth (3,110.458)
7. Matt Kuchar (2,681.787)
8. Brian Harman (2,671.708)
9. Patrick Reed (2,361.901)
10. Gary Woodland (1,953.808)
11. Rickie Fowler (1,935.337)
12. Kevin Kisner (1,900.998)
HOW POINTS ARE AWARDED
Beginning January 1, 2018, through the PGA Championship, August 12, 2018.
2018 WGC & PGA TOUR EVENTS
– 1 point per $1,000 earned
2018 MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
– 2 points per $1,000 earned for winner
– 1.5 points per $1,000 earned for all other players