Are Bubba Watson and Scottie Scheffler the most awkward pairing in this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans?

On Thursday, Watson, 42, and Scheffler, 24, explained to reporters in Louisiana how they became partners in the team-based tournament.

“Bubba asked like eight or nine guys and then they all said no, and he waited for me, and then I waited about four or five days, texted a few guys and no one responded, so I said yes,” Scheffler said, without naming the players who previously turned down Watson’s requests to play alongside him.

Watson, who was front and center for the tale, confirmed, “That is pretty much it.”

While Scheffler didn’t seem to intentionally poke fun at Watson, that’s how social media took it — including the PGA Tour Twitter account.

Watson later chimed in to explain the full story about how the partnership came about.

“We’re doing a Bible study together – young, up-and-coming guy that’s a super talent — so I called him early. Gosh, it might have been early January,” Watson said.

“I texted him and he said, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to play it.’ I said, ‘that’s not what I said. I asked, yes or no, do you want to play as my partner?’ He waited a couple days and he texted me when he got back to, I think, Dallas. He said he was getting on a flight, and he said, ‘yes.'”

In a possible attempt to reduce the awkwardness, Scheffler went on to compliment Watson’s game and said he’s “looking forward” to the remainder of the tournament.

“When he asked me if I wanted to be partners, I thought we’d have a great time, I thought we’d have a lot of fun,” Scheffler said. “Watching him play golf is a lot of fun, and I think for alternate-shot (Friday) I think we’re going to make a good team because he’s able to hit those shots from the weird spots that I’m probably going to put him in, and I feel like I’m able to do the same.”

In Thursday’s best-ball format, Scheffler and Watson teamed to shoot 8-under 64 – six birdies and one eagle.

While the Zurich Classic is a team-based event, it will be considered an official PGA Tour win for whomever claims it.

Scheffler is vying for his first victory, while the two-time Masters champion, Watson, is playing for his 13th PGA Tour win.

Watson had played in the past with J.B. Holmes (2017 and 2019) and Matt Kuchar (2018). Holmes is paired with Robert Garrigus this week.