Webb Simpson appeared as if he was going to win the Masters on Thursday after birdieing each of his first three holes.
Augusta National quickly set him straight.
A double-bogey on the par-4 fifth hole was followed by a bogey on 11 and another double-bogey on the par-5 15th. His 3-under start turned into a 2-over 74 finish.
Simpson said he pulled his approach on five and then his chip came out soft.
“The dumb double on five killed the momentum,” he said. “But I don’t think it’s going to kill me. I don’t think anybody’s going anywhere. I don’t think I’m too far out of it.”
Simpson, the 2012 U.S. Open Champion, had a best finish of T-44 in his previous two visits to Augusta. Simpson has four victories on the PGA Tour in six years, most notably the 2012 victory at Torrey Pines to earn the title of U.S. Open Champion. Simpson failed to make the cut last year following rounds of 73 and 76.
He said he has struggled with his ball-striking this year, but has felt better the past two weeks.
“Today was the best day I’ve had this week hitting the ball, putting the ball,” Simpson said. “I consider five and 15 just mental mistakes.”
About the Author
