VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP

March 18, 2023

Webb Simpson

Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead)

Quick Quotes

Q. Solid round of golf out there today. Some tough conditions. What was the key for you today out there?

WEBB SIMPSON: I think a few of those pitches I made to kind of hang in there. Certainly got off to a great start on 1 making eagle. But you're going to have kind of testers all day on these greens. With the winds gusting the way they were, putting is hard, these greens are fast.

But the other thing I think I stayed out of trouble. No hazards, played smart. Some of those pins -- like I think of 13 were kind of enticing you to hit it over there I just hit it 40 feet left. I think I had good discipline all day and made some key putts when I needed to.

Q. Obviously it's been a bit of a challenge ever since the injury over a year ago and you're trying to find stuff. Playing a round of golf under conditions like today on this type of golf course, does that actually help you, help you stay a little more focused and maybe expectations not quite as high?

WEBB SIMPSON: Honestly, yeah. I'm just happy to be, have a late tee time on a Saturday. We have gotten tired of waking up at 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays when I made cuts. But it feels great. Certainly a familiar position that I feel like I've been able to have success on in the past. The nerves are there in a good way. It's fun to be back. But it's been awhile. More than, you know, expecting or hoping to win tomorrow I'm just glad I have a chance. The work we've done the last few weeks are paying off and it's been fun.

Q. You and Paul have been positive. It doesn't matter how positive you are, at some points it gets too frustrating. How have you been able to keep your focus throughout this?

WEBB SIMPSON: Honestly I think my faith has been the number one piece. Just trusting that God's working. Even in the struggles, even in the hardships, there's still a purpose in it. Which helps me get out of bed in the morning. Because if I was only result-oriented and results-based there's a lot of evidence for me to be kind of down sad and no hope. But the Lord's asked me to work hard for His glory and I feel like I've done that. So as hard as it's been and as frustrating and at moments wanting to snap every club in my bag, I've had a lot of peace through this last year and a half, which has been nice.

Q. So you're known for bringing your own coffee setup on the road. Is that still the case and what does your coffee schedule look like at tournaments versus at home?

WEBB SIMPSON: Great question. At home I'm like four or five a day. Typically three before lunch, one post-lunch and one right before dinner. On the road I got to scale back a little bit. A lot of caffeine's not good for the short putts. So yeah it's a couple in the morning and then I'll always have one after the round no matter how late I finish.

Q. Scottie revealed last week he drinks coffee at home but never at tournaments. Have you ever considered going that route?

WEBB SIMPSON: No, no, that's a whole other level of commitment. Probably why he's No. 1 in the world. But I'm willing to trade those moments of happiness in the morning for a couple shots a year it might cost me.