Advertisement
Eric Risberg/AP/Press Association Images

US Open champion Webb Simpson could miss Open Championship

The 26-year-old’s wife is heavily pregnant and she says he’s unlikely to risk it.

NEWLY CROWNED US Open champion Webb Simpson may miss the Open Championship next month due to his wife’s advanced pregnancy.

Simpson, 26, claimed his first major championship victory by one shot at the Olympic Club, California, on Sunday.

The US Open winner would normally be among the star attractions at the third major of the year, which will take place at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club between July 19 and 22.

But American Simpson is apparently unlikely to be in attendance, with wife Dowd expecting their second child late next month.

“I don’t think he is going to play the British Open, just in case I go into labour,” she told reporters following Simpson’s victory in San Francisco.

“It would make Webb too nervous to hop over the pond and then have to try to get back.”

Simpson finished 16th in his Open Championship debut at Royal St George’s last year, where Northern Irishman Darren Clarke was a popular, if unexpected, winner.

Poll: Do Irish fans drink too much abroad? >

Close