Catching up with the Major winner and North Carolina native

Webb Simpson is an expert on the highways of North Carolina. He was born and raised in Raleigh, had a standout college career in Winston Salem at Wake Forest and now resides at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. I met a 12-year-old Simpson at Landfall in Wilmington and knew right away that I was meeting a quality young man who shook hands with adults and looked them in the eye. I wish I could tell you that I knew then that he would one day win the Wyndham Championship, the US Open and the Players.

Simpson has been on the PGA Tour for a decade now. He has played on two Presidents Cup teams and three Ryder Cup teams. Another decade like the first and he will eventually be enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Most importantly is the fact that Simpson and his wife balance his career and their five young children. Here is a brief conversation with Webb.

JM: The PGA Tour calendar took on a new look this year, there is now a two million dollar bonus for the player that wins the regular season, and the top ten will get paid. How do you think this will affect the Wyndham Championship?

WS: First, it was really nice for Steve Holmes and Wyndham to step up and provide the bonus pool. Secondly, I think this will strengthen their field. The course is great and Bobby Long and Mark Brazil do a great job. I hope we as players recognize that Wyndham stepped up and support their efforts.

JM: Your life has changed quite a bit since your first victory here in 2011... what do you remember about that week.

WS: Lots of memories on several levels. It was my first win and that is always special.

JM: Most players on Tour don’t get a single home week... does it feel like you get two?

WS: Yes, I am fortunate that Charlotte and Greensboro are both home for me.

JM: How do you balance a big, young family and all that comes with being a star on the PGA Tour?

WS: It is fun. My wife and I both come from big families so we don’t know any different. We would not change a thing. We are having fun.

JM: As the Tour continues to get younger and younger are you okay with being the wily veteran?

WS: I am working hard to stay fit and keep up with the young guys coming out. I have lots of good golf left.

John Maginnes is a former PGA player and hosts the popular Katrek & Maginnes on Tap broadcast on the PGA Tour Satellite Radio Network.