Webb Simpson claims overdue victory

Webb Simpson wrapped up his first victory since the 2012 US Open when he romped to a six-shot win in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

The American took a four-shot lead into the final round of the second PGA Tour event of the season at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas and, after carding birdies at two of his first three holes, pulled away to win by an emphatic margin.

The victory was Webb Simpson’s fourth on the PGA Tour and, afterwards, he could barely contain his delight.

“It means the world,” said the 28-year-old. “This year, I felt like I’ve got better, but just hadn’t got the win.

“I was playing good, solid golf, I didn’t look at the leaderboard all day but the course was drying out and I knew it was playing tough.”

“It means the world. This year, I felt like I’ve got better, but just hadn’t got the win.” – Webb Simpson

The American added that winning again was a relief after he struggled to come to terms with his first major victory at the Olympic Club in June of last year.

“I knew there was a lot of pressure on me when I moved up the world rankings and I knew a lot of people start looking at you and watching you every week,” said Webb Simpson.

“I felt like I learnt to deal with it towards the end of the year and I felt a lot better mentally this year.”

Simpson finished ahead of fellow countryman Jason Bohn and Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa, who matched his career-best finish on the PGA Tour by finishing tied for second.

“This is definitely a great start to the season,” said Ishikawa. “I wish I could have made a couple more putts, I missed a lot of putts this week, like ten feet, 15 feet, 20 feet. I missed a lot. But I’m pretty happy with the result overall.”

Meanwhile, Scotland’s Russell Knox finished tied for 30th on his return to the PGA Tour, whilst compatriot Martin Laird missed the cut.

Webb Simpson: At a glance

A snap-shot of Webb Simpson’s career so far.

Turned pro: 2008

PGA Tour wins: 4 (Wyndham Championship, 2011; Deutsche Bank Championship, 2011; US Open, 2012; Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, 2013)

Current world ranking: 17

Career best ranking: 5

Ryder Cup appearances: 2012

Presidents Cup appearances; 2011, 2013

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor