This isn't the last you'll be hearing of Webb Simpson.
The 26-year-old North Carolina native winning the U.S. Open is being dubbed as a "surprise," but it really shouldn't be.
Yes, Simpson failed to make the cut at his previous two tournaments, but those were the first two he had missed all season. When you consider how well he had been playing before his letdowns at the Players Championship and Memorial, a bounce-back was expected.
Simpson had already snagged four top-10 finishes in 2012 and was ranked 35th on the money list, so it's not like he's a braces-wearing 17-year-old. Beau Hossler, who, don't get me wrong, deserves all the credit in the world, would have been a huge surprise to win this major, but not Webb Simpson.
In fact, Simpson's success dates back to last year, which is when he really busted onto the scene.
The young professional tied for 14th at the U.S. Open, tied for 16th at the British Open and then made the cut once again at the Masters this year after missing the PGA Championship cut.
That's five majors in his young career, and all he did was make the cut four times, secure three top-20 finishes and one win. Not too shabby for a guy who was cut in almost half the tournaments he appeared in in 2009.
This, of course, is just all a fancy way of saying Simpson is better than you realized. He quietly won two tournaments last year in addition to losing twice on a playoff hole.
After his win this week at the U.S. Open, he is finally getting the recognition he deserves, as he is ranked fifth in the world, behind just Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods.
That's not bad company to be in.
Much like Simpson, who learned from his early mistakes at Olympic to shoot two straight 68s on the weekend, we must also learn from our mistakes.
When Simpson inevitably wins his next major, let's not act so surprised.
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