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By Christopher Powers
Five holes into his opening round of the RSM Classic, pre-tournament favourite Webb Simpson was one over on the back nine of Sea Island’s Plantation Course. Meanwhile, his playing partners—Austin Cook and Patton Kizzire—were filling up the hole with birdies. Simpson must have felt left out.
But rather than get too aggressive, Simpson heeded the advice of his caddie Paul Tesori, who told him to stay patient on the range prior to the round. So that’s what he did, and it worked, as he went on to play his final 13 holes in eight under. His seven-under 65, which included a back-nine 30, has given him the solo lead.
“It was solid, got off to a sluggish start but hung in there,” Simpson said. “Paul [Tesori] told me on the range this morning just to stay patient, because he knew there was going to be birdies to be had on the Plantation. I needed to hear that because I was one over there through about five holes, and playing with guys who are making birdies it’s hard to stay patient. But I was able to do that and I started making some putts on the back nine.
Simpson, who is the highest ranked player in the field at 12th in the world, finished third at the RSM a year ago, marking his third finish of T-7 or better in the event. The vibe reminds him a bit of the vibe of the RBC Heritage, where he’s also had past success.
“I grew up going to the beach in Wilmington, so I just love anytime I get close to the coast here, or Hilton Head, I just love it. That combined with enjoying the golf courses, my family’s coming, so it’s a good week for me.”
Simpson is one clear of Cameron Tringale, Kyoung-Hoon Lee and Rhein Gibson. Scott Harrington, the PGA Tour’s feel-good rookie story, is among a group tied for fifth at five under. Last week’s Mayakoba winner Brendon Todd kept his hot streak alive with a first-round 66, which has him in a tie for 14th.
