adminLAS VEGAS. — Webb Simpson got the fast start he has looking for — in the final round at TPC Summerlin and in the PGA Tour’s new wraparound golf season. Simpson birdied two of the first three holes on Sunday, pulling away for a six-stroke win in the second event of the season.
“One over through three yesterday and 2 under today felt like a huge difference,’’ Simpson said. “And it was because it really let me slow down and pace myself, and you know, try to let the guys come after me.’’
Winning for the first time since the 2012 US Open, Simpson closed with a 5-under 66 in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. He finished at 24-under 260 after opening with rounds of 64, 63 and 67 to take a four-stroke lead into the final round.
“As we were going kind of middle of the round, pins were tough, greens were drying out and I knew it would take a really special round for somebody to shoot 7, 8 under,’’ Simpson said.
“So, I felt like I was in control, and I asked my caddie, once I hit it on the green on 17 where we stood. And I was just thankful that I was able to kind of manage my golf ball the last couple rounds.’’ Simpson earned US$1,08 million for his fourth PGA Tour title. In addition to the US Open last year at The Olympic Club, he won the Wyndham Championship and Deutsche Bank Championship in 2011. Ryo Ishikawa and Jason Bohn tied for second. Ishikawa, the Japanese player who had to play the Web.com Tour Finals to regain his PGA Tour card, shot a 65.
“I wish I could made a couple putts, like three putts,’’ Ishikawa said. “I missed a lot of putts this week, like 10 feet, 15 feet, 20 feet. I missed a lot. But still, I’m pretty happy with that result.’’
Bohn had a 66.
Charley Hoffman was fourth at 17 under after a 64.
“When you get that far up the leaderboard every putt you make is worth big dollars and big FedEx Cup points,’’ Hoffman said. “So, to get the year started off on the right foot, you always want to make those putts.’’ — AFP.
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