Bubba Watson is apparently going to have his U.S. Open tune-up through a time machine...of sorts.
Watson, according to Golfweek, intends to play in this weekend's National Hickory (Golf) Championship at Oakhurst Links in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. The Greenbrier resort owns the course, which it bills as the oldest course "designed and built" in the United States, having opened in 1884.
The event will be played June 10-11, with a practice round on June 9. The tournament was created in 1998 as a means of celebrating golf at the turn of the 20th century. Like all rounds played at Oakhurst Links, players use equipment that would be familiar for late 19th and early 20th century golfers, including golf clubs with hickory shafts. Players also must abide by golf's rules as they were in 1891 and wear era-appropriate clothing.
Both Watson's agent, Jens Beck, and Greenbrier spokesman Cam Huffman indicated Watson will play. Watson has an endorsement relationship with Greenbrier and owns a home in their Sporting Club development.
If Watson is to win the event, he'll face some stiff competition. Since the championship started in 1998, only seven players have won it, including eight-time winner Randy Jensen.