Who needed Tiger? We saw a record setting U.S. Open, a miraculous resurrection at the British Open and breakout stars at the PGA Championship and the FedEx Cup, which was exciting for once.
I know, I know…Bill Haas won the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup, but I’m still going with Webb Simpson as my choice for Player of the Year. Two wins, twelve top tens and 23-26 in cuts made. Plus a contribution to the winning U.S. side at the President’s Cup. Yes, Haas stole the season’s bells, whistles, and buzzers, but Webb won it’s heart and soul. He jumped from 94th on the Tour money list to second. He had the best second half of the season and enters next year as a player to watch in the majors, especially a quirky Olympic Club that likes crowning shotmakers, not stars.
Sure – some will mention Rory McIlroy and his dominating performance in the U.S. Open – record-setting and iconic in the history of that venerable tournament. But in terms of a full year, start to finish, Simpson has been the most consistent. What’s so remarkable is that a second year player cold be so flat-out dominant in the second half of the season.
Moreover, he’s been the Tour’s best role model. So what that Madison Avenue doesn’t know what to make of him? So what that a few Godless heathens want to shout him down because he has rock-hard faith? Who cares that he and God are mates and he wants the World to know?
Webb Simpson has done everything right: 1) win, 2) win with grace and class, and 3) win with nary a snap, snipe, or sour note.
What more do you want people? You saw where fist-pumping, intimidating scowls, got us…pandering to a potentially PED/steroid-fueled record chase.
Webb Simpson is our 2011 Player of the Year Jazzy Award winner…and we’re damn proud of him.
PAST WINNERS
2010 Graeme McDowell
2009 Geoff Ogilvy
2008 Padraig Harrington
2007 Zach Johnson
