Scott William Simpson Bio
Scott William Simpson is an American professional golfer born on September 17, 1955, in San Diego, California. He is best known for winning the U.S. Open in 1987 and collecting seven titles on the PGA Tour during a career that began in the late 1970s. After reaching Champions Tour eligibility, Simpson added a senior victory and continued competing well into his later years.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, Simpson combined a patient temperament with a strong short game, qualities that served him well across more than two decades on the PGA Tour. He is also noted for his Christian faith, citing bible study as a grounding influence on his career.
Early Life and Background
Scott William Simpson grew up in San Diego, California, where he was born and raised. The Southern California climate offered year-round access to courses, and Simpson began playing competitive golf at a young age. His family environment encouraged athletics, and he developed his game through junior tournaments in the region.
Simpson attended the University of Southern California, one of the most respected college golf programs in the country. He competed for the Trojans and distinguished himself as a two-time medalist at the NCAA Championship in 1976 and 1977. By the end of 1976, Golf Digest ranked him the number one amateur golfer in the United States, a clear sign that he was ready for the professional stage.
Path to Professional Golf
Simpson’s college success opened the door to national and international amateur competition. In 1977, he represented the United States in the Walker Cup, one of the premier amateur team events in the sport. That same year, he won the Haskins Award, given to the top college golfer in the country.
With his amateur résumé complete, Simpson turned professional in 1977 and graduated from USC in 1978. He joined the PGA Tour in 1979 and quickly adapted to the demands of weekly competition. His amateur pedigree and steady temperament gave him a foundation that translated into early promise on tour.
Scott William Simpson Career
Early Career (1979–1984)
Simpson began his PGA Tour career in 1979 and posted his first victories in the early 1980s. He steadily built a reputation as a reliable ball striker who could score on a variety of course types. During this developmental period, he also recorded strong finishes in major championships, including a tie for sixth at the 1984 PGA Championship, signaling his readiness for the biggest stages.
PGA Tour Breakthrough (1985–1990)
The defining moment of Simpson’s career came at the 1987 U.S. Open, played at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. Trailing Tom Watson entering the final holes, Simpson birdied the 14th, 15th, and 16th holes to overtake Watson by one stroke, finishing at three under par with a total of 277. The victory marked his only major championship title and elevated him to a career-high ranking of 11th in the world on June 21, 1987.
That same year, Simpson represented the United States in the Ryder Cup, capping a season that ranks among the finest in American golf history. He added further PGA Tour victories through the late 1980s and posted a tie for seventh at the 1990 Masters Tournament, confirming his consistency across major venues.
Later PGA Tour Years and Champions Tour Era (1991–Present)
Simpson continued to compete on the PGA Tour through 1998, reaching a total of seven PGA Tour wins and adding three titles on the Japan Golf Tour during his career. He became eligible for senior golf in 2005 and wasted little time in finding success, winning his first and only Champions Tour title in 2006.
Beyond his playing record, Simpson became known for thoughtful course management and a calm demeanor under pressure. He attributes much of his consistency to bible study, a habit he has maintained throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
The 1987 U.S. Open remains the signature achievement of Simpson’s career. His late birdie run to overtake Tom Watson is one of the most memorable finishes in the championship’s history. He also reached a career-best world ranking of 11th in 1987 and represented the United States in both the 1977 Walker Cup and the 1987 Ryder Cup.
Scott William Simpson Career Wins
Scott William Simpson accumulated 16 professional wins across multiple tours, including seven on the PGA Tour, three on the Japan Golf Tour, one on the Champions Tour, and five in other events. His career total reflects steady play across more than two decades of professional competition.
PGA Tour Highlights
Simpson won seven PGA Tour events between 1980 and 1998. His most significant victory was the 1987 U.S. Open, and he added additional titles across regular tour stops throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His major championship record also includes a tie for sixth at the 1984 and 1993 PGA Championships, a tie for seventh at the 1990 Masters, and a tie for ninth at the 1993 Open Championship.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his PGA Tour victories, Simpson won three times on the Japan Golf Tour and captured a Champions Tour title in 2006. He also posted several other professional victories during his career.
Scott William Simpson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Scott William Simpson was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended the University of Southern California, where he played collegiate golf and graduated in 1978. Beyond golf, Simpson is known for his Christian faith and credits bible study as a guiding influence throughout his career.
He and his wife, Cheryl, have two children: a daughter named Brea Yoshiko and a son named Sean. The family continues to make their home in San Diego, California.
2025 Season Outlook
At 70 years old in 2025, Scott William Simpson remains connected to the professional golf world through his legacy and Champions Tour standing. His career peak of 11th in the world rankings came in June 1987, the same year he won the U.S. Open, and his competitive record continues to be referenced in discussions of major championship history.
As a Champions Tour veteran, Simpson’s experience and course knowledge remain valuable benchmarks for younger players studying the game’s history. His 1987 U.S. Open victory at the Olympic Club is still discussed as one of the great closing runs in championship golf.
While Simpson’s active competitive schedule in 2025 is not formally documented in current sources, his influence on American golf endures through his playing record, his faith-based approach to the game, and his standing as one of the respected major champions of his generation.