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Webb Simpson Wins for Golf, God, and Country

WEBB SIMPSON PLAYING FOR WAKE FOREST IN 2007

Ever since I saw the kid play at Wake Forest, I knew he was sublime. Quiet dignity, unquenchable fire, rock-hard faith, and the ability to let go of the setbacks – Golf, God, and Country, that’s Webb Simpson.

He reminds me of Dan Jenkins in that regard…

Back then Webb was leading Wake Forest to a triple-overtime playoff victory over Baylor at the Hootie and the Blowfish NCAA Tournament. (They had to play three rounds of playoff holes – that’s how many times the two teams tied!)

After his playing partners secured victory, there was Simpson leading the cheers for them, congratulating them, giving all the credit to them…despite his burning up the course with sizzling scores for three days and being medalist. It was about team, not player.

Cut to 2011 and after scaring leaderboards all year long (he’s certainly my Rookie of the Year vote) he’s finally a PGA Tour champion.

He’s been a champion human being all his life.

There’s Simpson: the embodiment of golf virtue: Altruism, sincerity, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.

There’s Simpson: leading by example, not by sound byte or commercial appeal.

There’s Simpson: being grateful.

“He thanked God after he won. I’m a fan for life, we need more golfers like him,” said a beaming Jeanne Capraro, a lifelong golf fan from Syracuse. “We need more role models, clean-cut, forthright kids the public can admire.”

Think about this…Simpson has played reasonably well in all four majors. That means he one of the most well rounded golfers out there. That’s how you can tell staying power – he’s versatile. He’s America’s proper rejoinder to Rory McIlroy. Simpson can play well at Augusta because he blends power, brains, and a sparkling short game. He has the unflappable demeanor for the crucible of the U.S. Open. He has the creativity for the U.S. Open. And he’s a birdie machine, which makes him a likely PGA Championship winner some day…if they ever decide to play at a course that has four REAL finishing holes:) The “Massacre Mile” at Atlanta Athletic Club was ludicrous – it wasn’t golf, but snooker.

Why not highlight Webb for the President’s Cup? He sets a great example for the kids. Golf fans love his attitude. He comes through in the clutch.

What’s not to love? That he doesn’t draw “casual eyeballs?” “Casual eyeballs” are overrated and fickle. It’s time to care less about “casual eyeballs.” “Casual eyeballs” = Mumbo-jumbo!!! (At least in golf). Webb doesn’t cater to the flighty or the feckless – he caters to the core golf fan. Lift him on up and watch ratings soar. He’s a star because of the way he plays and the way he carries himself.

But more importantly, when Webb wins, all golf wins. When Webb wins, it’s everything right and true and bold and in the character of the game and its virtues. When Webb wins, it gives us all hope to fight the good fight.

Never forget – when good people stand by and do nothing, that’s when evil gains a foothold. As author Umberto Eco wrote, “When you get rid of God, Satan must ascend in his place.” Even though Webb is merely a golfer, he stands for so much more.

Good on ya, Webb. Welcome to the Honor Roll. And as as one of my favorite songs goes:

May the Good Lord shine a light on you
Make every song you sing your favorite tune
May the Good Lord shine a light on you
Like an evening Sun
.

See you in the media center interview room soon – most likely with more hardware by your side.