Webb Simpson raced out to a 5 shot lead at the Players Championship yesterday after tying a course record (63) at the Stadium course. Simpson was racing towards setting a standalone record at 61, but a double bogey at the famous 17th hole island green slowed him up. Simpson stands at -15 with three players (Cantlay, Lee, Schwartzel) off in the distance at -10.
Simpson, 2012 US Open Champion, isn’t shy to the big stage and stepped up at what some people consider golf’s 5th major. The PGA TOUR signature event resides in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL on the campus of PGA TOUR HQ. Big moments, legacy, history all seep from the grounds at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, the host golf course. But for Simpson, he made it seem like just another round at muni course in his hometown or something.
While others (fans, media) pine over the super-group failures from the first two days i.e. (Mickelson, Fowler, Woods) Iets take a moment to appreciate Webb’s scorecard. The players themselves know who to appreciate after two rounds at the Championship with Justin Rose saying, “The most entertaining golf in our group was watching Webb’s score. It’s a miracle round.”
Source: ESPN
It’s hard to argue with Rose’s take. From the 11th hole to the 16th hole Simpson went: birdie, birdie, birdie, birdie, birdie, birdie. Just to give perspective, I think it’s a big deal to roll three strikes in a row when bowling (ya, I’ve had a few turkeys in my day). But to roll in 6 birdies in a row at TPC Sawgrass during the PLAYERS? Truly amazing.
Now the question that remains…can Simpson keep up the lead? Should be a great weekend to tune in and find out. But just for the record - Webb, can you shave off the goatee? Or whatever that thing is. Clean-shaven is your look.