Sports > March 27, 2008

By Allison Lange | Sports editor

Senior men’s golfer Webb Simpson has a bright future ahead of him. In the next few months, he will be graduating from Wake Forest with a degree in Religion and turning pro in golf right out of college. With a very long and impressive golf resume, which includes being one of the top amateur players in the country, Simpson should be ready for the big time play.

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(Photo courtesy of Media Relations)

Simpson recently played in a PGA tournament with players like Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson. In the tournament, Simpson tied for 31st, beating out all former Wake Forest golfers. The Old Gold & Black’s Sports editor Allison Lange chatted with Simpson about his plans after graduation, his favorite class at Wake Forest and his favorite course to play.

On his favorite accomplishment:

The accomplishment that means most to me so far is the Southern Amateur win this past summer.

The tournament was held at my home course in Pinehurst, N.C., which is the Country Club of North Carolina.

Also, my father Sam was caddying for me during the tournament, which added to the meaning.

On playing in a PGA tournament:

Playing in a PGA tournament as a college student was pretty cool to say the least.

I didn’t have much pressure on me, but at the same time I wanted to do well and compete with the other players.

It was an awesome week.

Faith is a big part of my life and I felt God out there with me the entire week helping me through.

On his plans after graduation:

My plan as of now is to turn pro right after this year’s NCAA tournament.

On being someone else for a day:

Definitely Tiger Woods because he is the best that has ever played the game and it would be so cool to see him play first hand. I feel that I could learn so much from him by just watching him play.

On his favorite course to play:

Day in and day out, my favorite course to play is the Dogwood Course at the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst. The back nine is the best in the state in my opinion, and the course is always in great shape.

On playing another sport:

No doubt, it would be basketball. I played a lot of basketball growing up and I always love to play. I can’t jump or play defense though. I can only shoot, sometimes.

On how he prepares before tournaments:

I always talk to God before I play and pray for guidance and wisdom for the round. Being with God before the round helps me to stay calm and it helps put golf into perspective for me.

Also, I always talk to my girlfriend Dowd Keith before the round because she always makes me feel great about my game.