Webb Simpson: US Open Winner Will Not Participate at British Open

U.S. Open winner Webb Simpson is putting his family before the British Open, as he is going to skip the third major of the 2012 season to be with his wife, Dowd, who is expected to give birth to the couple's second child around the same time, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

The report says that Dowd is due to give birth at the end of July, so Simpson "theoretically could play British Open on July 19-22 and get back from Royal Lytham & St. Annes in time for the birth but would risk being unable to return quickly in the event of early labor."

Simpson just wants to play it safe, since his first child arrived before his due date, according to the Tribune. It also mentions that the couple has discussed the possibility of inducing labor to allow Simspon to play in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Aug. 2-5. 

This is not the first time a golfer has had to decide what to do when it comes to the birth of a child. I can recall Phil Mickelson back in 1999 playing in the U.S. Open when his wife was on the verge of giving birth to their first child. 

It sounds strange to say since the choice would seem to be obvious, but give Simspon credit for making this decision. He just won the biggest event of his life and could try to keep the positive momentum going, yet he wants to be there for his wife if/when she goes into labor. 

In this day and age, it says a lot about Simpson's character and who he is as a person. 

Follow @adamwells1985