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Webb Simpson, No. 3 in the FedEx Cup, WDs from BMW Championship
Webb Simpson hits a shot during final round of the RBC Heritage in June.
Kevin C. Cox
Webb Simpson, No. 3 in the FedEx Cup standings, has withdrawn from the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields. Simpson cited rest as the reason for dropping out of the PGA Tour Playoffs’ second round.
“After playing consecutive weeks, Webb is taking the week off in order to be rested for the Tour Championship in Atlanta,” Simpson’s representation told the PGA Tour.
Simpson has played four straight weeks, posting a T-3 at the regular-season finale Wyndham Championship and a T-6 at the Northern Trust. Simpson’s invite to East Lake is already secured, and with the U.S. Open a month away, staying fresh is of the utmost importance.
However, Simpson’s decision does have ramifications. The Tour Championship’s new scoring system—staggered off the FedEx Cup standings, the No. 1 seed begins the first round at East Lake 10 under, the No. 2 seed at 8 under, No. 3 seed at seven under, etc.—places an emphasis on one’s FEC position after the BMW Championship. Simpson’s decision could cost him a couple spots, and thus strokes, in Atlanta, complicating his push for the FedEx Cup and its $15 million payday.
Moreover, with two wins, eight top 10s and a tour-best 68.86 scoring average, a victory this week at Olympia Fields could have given Simpson a chance at Player of the Year honors. Pulling out of the Chicago event ends that campaign, leaving Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and Bryson DeChambeau for POY honors.
Simpson’s WD brings the BMW Championship field to 69 players, the top 30 advancing to the Tour Championship. Dustin Johnson, thanks to his win at The Northern Trust, is first in the FEC standings, followed by Thomas, Simpson, Daniel Berger and Morikawa.