PGA Tour: Webb Simpson defends sponsor exemption, quiets critics

Webb Simpson arrives at this week’s Wells Fargo Championship because the 227th-ranked participant within the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).

And but, Simpson, a PGA Tour Coverage Board member, acquired one other sponsor’s exemption to play in one other Signature Occasion.

It marks his fourth sponsor’s invite to a Signature Occasion this season, as Simpson has acquired invitations to the AT&T Pebble Seaside Professional-Am, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and the RBC Heritage already. His greatest end got here at Bay Hill, the place he tied for thirtieth.

Now, he’ll compete at Quail Hole alongside 68 others who’re among the greatest gamers on the PGA Tour.

However many golfers and followers alike have criticized the tour and match organizers for frequently together with coverage board members in these elite occasions with elevated purses.

“I do know these sponsor exemptions are most likely essentially the most coveted sponsor exemptions within the historical past of the Tour, however we’re not going to make everybody pleased,” Simpson stated Wednesday at Quail Hole.

Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Pictures

“As we’re taking a look at what standards ought to these sponsor exemptions be—yadda yadda—we’re making an attempt to stability making sponsors pleased, giving match administrators the chance who they need to carry to their match, to their neighborhood, who do they suppose will add worth to their match.

“These match administrators are working across the clock for a 12 months making an attempt to make their match the perfect. We need to give them the chance to say hey, you could have just a few spots, 4 spots in these Signature Occasions to have the ability to invite who you need to invite.”

Come to search out out, Simpson has a private relationship with those that facilitate this occasion. He lives within the Charlotte space, hails from Raleigh, and attended college in North Carolina, taking part in at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem.

“I’ve identified these match administrators, and so they’ll let you know themselves, since my rookie 12 months in 2009,” Simpson added.

“I’ve nice affection for these tournaments and sponsors, and I believe it’s far more than simply at the moment who’s getting in. How lengthy have they been out right here? [Have] they received main championships? Have they been across the recreation for a very long time? [Tournament Director] Gary Sobba is a pal of mine, and he will get to choose together with Wells Fargo, who they suppose could be nice for his or her match.”

In fact, the 39-year-old Simpson received the 2012 U.S. Open on the Olympic Membership in San Francisco.

He has additionally performed within the Wells Fargo Championship 13 occasions earlier than, along with his greatest end coming in 2015, when he tied for second, ending seven strokes behind winner Rory McIlroy.

That stated, he is aware of the criticism for his inclusion in these top-tier occasions is on the market.

“I do know that is my fourth sponsor exemption, and Adam Scott’s acquired his fair proportion, too,” Simpson stated.

Photograph by Logan Bowles/PGA Tour by way of Getty Pictures

“There was controversy and guys have been making an attempt to hyperlink us being on the board, however it has nothing to do with me being on the board.”

The PGA Tour Coverage Board has been a pertinent subject of debate as of late, however Simpson insists his place on it has nothing to do with this sponsor’s exemption.

“I actually suppose the criticisms, I knew they have been going to return relying on them, however I‘m very snug understanding that we’ve given the sponsors and the match administrators the chance to choose,” Simpson defined.

“I need to transfer on from [that] and understand that the Wells Fargo Championship is an incredible match. I’m excited to be right here; it’s my house, and I get to do cool issues this week. I obtained to go to the Trojans Levine Heart final week and performed bingo with some children within the hospital by way of this exemption.

“I get to hang around with some children right this moment on the vary for The First Tee of Charlotte. There are issues that I’m far more desirous about and that get me excited than worrying about what a sure particular person thinks about who ought to get sponsor exemptions.”

Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By way of. Make sure you try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.