Watson happy to defend Travelers and head to Rio

Bubba Watson never had any intention of missing the Travelers Championship despite it clashing with the Olympics opening ceremony.

The 37-year-old will represent the USA in Rio over the next couple of weeks as golf returns to the Games for the first time in 104 years.

A number of high-profile players have pulled out due to fears over the Zika virus but the left-hander always made it clear he would travel to South America if he made the team.

Watson is the defending champion at this week’s Connecticut tournament and will be looking to lift the trophy for the third time at TPC River Highlands, having picked up his first PGA Tour title in the event in 2010.

His career has gone from strength to strength since then, with two Masters titles among nine PGA victories for the Florida resident.

But the Ryder Cup ace clearly has fond memories of the New England venue and, despite admitting that it is a confusing time of the season due to Rio, he was always going to defend his title.

“One week throws the whole schedule off, how they had to do things,” he said. “And I was fourth in the world for the last two years, so I knew I had a good shot at making the Olympic team, so we had to prepare for that.

“It was a no-brainer never to miss (the Travelers). This was never coming off the schedule. We’ve always planned on being here. No matter what happened, I was going to be here. So I’m missing opening ceremonies. So I’m just going to fly in for the golf tournament and then fly out.”

Tagged Bubba Watson, Olympics, Rio 2016, Travelers Championship