2022 Sony Open: Top 10 power rankings at Waialae

The Sony Open and Waialae are better fitting for a shorter player like him who’s as precise as any. Simpson is making his 12th tournament start and missed the event just twice since debuting in 2009.

The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon has made all 11 cuts and owns eight top-20s. Simpson surprisingly hasn’t won, but he’s knocking in the door with a T-4th (67-70-63-65) in 2018, third (71-66-66-67) in 2020 and T-4th (65-65-67-64).

Here’s what Simpson had to say when asked in 2020 what it is about Waialae that he likes.

“It’s not long. I think they’re doglegs, it’s not overly long, and bermuda greens,” Simpson was transcribed by ASAP Sports. “That’s usually a good combo for me. Yeah, I have good memories. It was my first tournament with my Tour card back in ’09.”

The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon was just two off the winning pace last year. Three birdies in the last six holes weren’t quite enough to come back.

In typical Webb fashion, he limited mistakes and putted the lights out. He was first in the field in strokes gained putting (9.037 total) and made no double bogeys or worse. Simpson also was 4-for-4 in sand saves. He just wasn’t sharp enough elsewhere around the greens to get it done.

Simpson went winless in 2021, but it was far from a failed year. The 36-year-old earned more top-10s (5) than missed cuts (4) and had three top-30s at majors. He was 22nd on the PGA Tour last season in SG putting (.435).