US Open Golf 2012: Why First Major Win Just the Beginning for Webb Simpson

Webb Simpson pulled off a surprising victory at the Olympic Club in San Francisco to win the 2012 U.S. Open. This was his first victory at a major, but it will not be his last.

This is the culmination of what has been a fantastic year so far for Simpson. The 26-year-old is now ranked fifth in the world after his incredible victory. 

Simpson made 11 consecutive cuts to start 2012 and finished in the top-15 at five of those tournaments. He missed two cuts in a row before heading to San Francisco, but proved conclusively that these poor performances were no cause for concern.

The golfer was an afterthought after the first two rounds at the U.S. Open, finishing five over par. But he lowered his score with a 68 in the third round and finished extremely strong on the final 18 holes. 

He bogeyed two of his first five holes in the fourth round, but did not finish over par for the rest of the tournament. He had four birdies to finish with a 68 again and a final score of one over.

Simpson’s ability to be at his best when it counts the most is a fantastic sign for his future.

He was an All-American in college at Wake Forrest and has steadily improved throughout his young professional career.

2012 has clearly been his breakout season. He is still in his mid-20s so he will continue to get better.

Since Tiger Woods’ decline, no golfer has been able to establish dominance for any stretch of time. Simpson will not be able to do this, but is talented enough to be in the mix at most majors.

The American may not try for a second major title in a row as he might miss the British Open due to the birth of his second child, according to of Randall Mell of the Golf Channel. 

Even if he doesn’t compete in the British Open, he will be near the top of the leaderboard at future majors.

Simpson is not about to unleash a Tiger-like run through the PGA Tour, but he is a serious competitor that will win another Major Championship at some point in his career.