Webb Simpson was one of seven players who qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open from the qualifying site in Durham, North Carolina. He survived the longest day in golf history to earn his 13th consecutive U.S. Open appearance.
The 2012 U.S. Open champion shot 67-69, four under par, to qualify with Chesson Hadley. Zach Blair was the lowest-placed medalist at the venue, finishing nine under par.
“This was special for me because I love Pinehurst,” Simpson told NBC Sports. He qualified“I love No. 2. I wanted to be here. I barely made it through today!”
“This was special for me because I love Pinehurst and I love No. 2. I really wanted to be here and I just barely made it through today!”
2012 Champion Webb Simpson He will be competing in his 13th consecutive U.S. Open. pic.twitter.com/yUdPDfcWEE
— US Open (@usopengolf) June 3, 2024
The last time Simpson made it to the final round was in 2011, when he made his first appearance at the U.S. Open. He qualified in a playoff in Columbus, Ohio.
Despite being a veteran, qualifying this season reminded him how difficult it is.
“I think it’s about being mentally prepared,” he said. “You have to be really prepared with practice rounds. You have to go out there and play 36 holes and try to minimize your mistakes.”
The 38-year-old has only played in one major tournament over the past two seasons, missing the cut at last year’s PGA Championship, and will be playing in the U.S. Open for the first time since 2022.
“I never took it for granted after playing in the major leagues for almost 10 years. It’s hard to play in the major leagues. Looking at it from the outside, I could see it was hard and it wasn’t fun. So I’m happy to be back on the field.”
This year’s U.S. Open will be held at Pinehurst, the first time the venue has hosted the USGA tournament since 2014. Simpson finished tied for 45th and was won by Martin Kaymer by eight strokes. His best finish in the U.S. Open since winning in 2012 was a tie for eighth place three years ago at Torrey Pines Golf Course in 2021.
The former Wake Forest University golfer feels the qualifying is a good sign.
“This is a golf course where I feel like I can play really well. My game is improving, so a lot of things are going well for me,” Simpson said. “I’m just grateful to be recognized for what I do.”
Simpson and his family own a vacation home in the childhood community where he often played, so this week’s event at Pinehurst will feel like a hometown event for the PGA Tour veteran.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a Golf Staff Writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow us for more golf articles. Follow You can follow us on all major social platforms. You can also follow us on Twitter Follow Instagram: @savannah_leigh_sports
