Webb Simpson, who sits third in the FedEx Cup standings, has withdrawn from this week’s BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club. Simpson cited rest as the reason for dropping out of the PGA Tour Playoffs’ second event.
“After playing consecutive weeks, Webb is taking the week off in order to be rested for the Tour Championship in Atlanta,” Simpson’s representation told the PGA Tour.
Simpson has played four straight weeks, posting a T-3 at the regular-season finale Wyndham Championship and a T-6 at the Northern Trust. Simpson’s invite to East Lake is already secured, and with the US Open less than a month away, staying fresh is of the utmost importance.
However, Simpson’s decision does have ramifications. The Tour Championship’s new scoring system – staggered off the FedEx Cup standings, the No.1 seed begins the first round at East Lake 10-under, the No.2 seed at 8-under, No.3 seed at seven under, etc. – places an emphasis on one’s FedEx Cup position after the BMW Championship. Simpson’s decision could cost him a couple of spots, and thus strokes, in Atlanta, complicating his push for the FedEx Cup and its $US15 million payday.
Moreover, with two wins, eight top 10s and a tour-best 68.86 scoring average, a victory at Olympia Fields could have bestowed Simpson a chance at Player of the Year honours. Pulling out of the Chicago event ends that campaign, leaving Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and Bryson DeChambeau in line for POY honours.
Simpson’s WD brings the BMW Championship field to 69 players, the top 30 advancing to the Tour Championship. Dustin Johnson, thanks to his win at the Northern Trust, is first in the FedEx Cup standings, followed by Thomas, Simpson, Daniel Berger and Morikawa.