Webb Simpson Gives Jesus Christ Credit in First PGA Tour Win
The PGA's Webb Simpson won his first title as a professional golfer Sunday, and he says it was Jesus Christ's presence that got him through.
"I'd be stupid not to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” he told CBS Sports after winning the Wyndham Championship, “because it was tough out there and I was nervous, and I felt his presence all day."
Simpson, who is outspoken about his Christian faith, studied religion at Wake Forest University. In addition to his faith he also had the support of the hometown crowd. The tournament is played at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C., which is only about 30 miles from Wake Forest and 80 miles from Raleigh, where he grew up.
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"I couldn't think of a better place to win,” he told reporters. “It's so close to home, where I grew up and where I live now, and I just can't thank everyone enough. It's been a great week and the fans were awesome and I'm just so excited."
Simpson says that his faith also helped him to be patient in his pursuit of his first PGA victory.
So far this year he's had two second-place finishes, the first in the Transitions Championship (in which he bogeyed the final hole, giving Gary Woodland the win) and the other in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans (where he lost after Bubba Watson birdied the second playoff hole).
“I felt the Lord telling me just to be patient all year,” he said. “Whether it happened this year, next, or never, everything was going to be okay. You know I took what I learned from those close calls and applied it today and I think it paid off."
He won the tournament by three strokes over player George McNeill, finishing with a score of -18 overall. The victory brings his season totals to seven Top 10 finishes and over $3.5 million earned from play.
“Hey Twitter world!” he posted on his Twitter account. “I can't sleep as usual on Sunday nights so I'm up. Thanks so much for all your support and love. It feels great to win.” In a follow-up Tweet he added, "and I can't be more thankful to the Lord for walking me through every step. God was and is so faithful everytime."
Though satisfied with his big win, Simpson is already looking for the next one.
On Monday morning he Tweeted, “Off to Barclays this afternoon. Brand new week now. #theprocessstartsagain."
Simpson now sits in 3rd overall in the FedEx Cup points standings, behind only Steve Stricker and points-leader Nick Watney.
