simpson
breaks through

the belly putter strikes again. webb simpson finally kicked down the door he has been knocking on all season in the wyndham championship in his home state of north carolina. after runner-ups at the transitions championship and the zurich classic and four other top-10s, simpson had been philosophical about his chances all season long, confident a victory would finally come his way. “seems like every other week a young guy is winning” said simpson, who became the 12th first-time winner on tour in 2011. “it encourages other guys, ‘hey, if he can do it, i think i can do it.’ ” in new orleans he wound up in a playoff after calling a penalty stroke on himself during regulation play when the wind moved his ball on the green after he had addressed it. one of the big advantages simpson has enjoyed this season is the work of veteran paul tesori as his caddie. in new orleans, tesori said, “we’ve worked very hard on what i call the ‘Vijayisms:’ big turns, good rhythm and getting all the way through to your left side with every club, no matter what it is. webb has worked very hard on his swing, and he’s worked hard on his body. he hired those back9fitness guys. and he’s got a great head on his shoulders.” —Jim Moriarty