Bubba Watson gives PGA boss direct message after reacting to Masters dinner joke

LIV Golf League player Bubba Watson has revealed he is "thankful" he will be able to play the 2023 Masters as he reacted to Scottie Scheffler's dinner joke.

Ben Smith's picture
Tue, 31 Jan 2023
Bubba Watson gives PGA boss direct message after reacting to Masters dinner joke

LIV Golf's Bubba Watson has reacted to Scottie Scheffler's Masters dinner-for-one joke as he revealed he'll beg PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan to play in the 2023 PNC Championship with his son. 

Reigning Masters champion Scheffler previously said he had planned to have "a little table in the corner" for the left-hander.

Now Watson has responded to Scheffler's quip as he gears up to make his playing debut in the LIV Golf League

He's also spoke of his desire to play in the 2023 PNC Championship alongside the likes of Tiger Woods and his son Charlie Woods

Watson is in the field for the PIF Saudi International and is joined by a host of LIV players. 

Related: Rory McIlroy defends his LIV Golf rival

This event, under the banner of the Asian Tour, will serve as a tune-up for many players who have joined the breakaway circuit. 

Watson went under the knife last May to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. 

After signing for the breakaway tour, Watson was involved in the LIV broadcasts as an on-course commentator and analyst. 

Although Brooks Koepka didn't seem too pleased in one exchange with the two-time Masters champion. 

Last December, Watson, 44, spoke of the reservations he had about signing his deal with the circuit. 

But after praying on the decision, he decided to depart the PGA Tour

Speaking shortly before Phil Mickelson addressed his dig at Rory McIlroy, Watson said he was "thankful" Augusta National has permitted LIV players to be in the field at the 87th Masters.

Asked by one reporter if Watson "did his best" to try and ensure a return to Georgia, the left-hander said: 

"No, I let the powers that be make the decisions. But yes, I was very thankful that we get to go back to the Masters.
"Then LIV announced their schedule, so I won't be able to go to the women's tournament or the Drive, Chip & Putt with the kids because we'll be in Orlando.
"But it's one year, I'm going to definitely be in the ears of people at LIV and try to see if I can get back there because I want to support what the Masters means to the game of golf, what the membership of Augusta means to the game of golf, and I would love to be there for the Women's Amateur and the kids on Sunday.
"It's a little upsetting that I'll be playing golf the week before in Orlando, but I know it's for the best, and I'll be there supporting my team and trying to win that trophy. But I'll get to Augusta as fast as I can."

Many golf fans have already commented how they would like to observe the past champions' dinner. 

Jon Rahm said it may be a little bit tense, adding: "I keep thinking about it because I wish I could be there and just be able to see how things work out."

Mickelson admitted there may be some awkwardness, too, although Lefty said he won't be the cause of any tension

Watson said:

"Hey, as long as I'm in the champions dinner, I'm fine. I'll sit wherever he [Scheffler] tells me. It's fine. As long as I'm allowed back, I'll sit wherever he wants me to. I'll sit outside and just stare in the window."

The PIF Saudi International takes place over 2-5 February. 

Just some of the LIV players in the field include Pat Perez, Matt Wolff, Louis Oosthuizen, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka

PGA Tour members Cameron Young and Cameron Champ are also in the field

Whilst Watson has left the PGA Tour, he spoke of his desire to play the PNC Championship in 2023 with his son Caleb. 

He said he would "beg" PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan for the chance to play. 

Watson told the media:

"As soon as I see Jay Monahan -- if Jay Monahan is watching this, I'll see you at Augusta and I'll try to beg you to let us play the PNC again.
"I never took a dollar for the PNC. I've played in the PNC twice. My dad is passed away, so I played with my father-in-law, I gave it all to a children's hospital.
"It wasn't about money for me. This is about helping. This is about maybe one day being able to play with my son.
"It's a cool tournament, and my son was kind of disappointed that he knows we're not going to play in that, but he still gets to caddie for me at Augusta, so he's happy about that."

Next page: Is the DP World Tour a better place with LIV players?