Simpson: Skipping British Open easy

Published Jun. 22, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

US Open champion Webb Simpson says it was an easy decision for him to skip the upcoming British Open.

Simpson's wife, Dowd, is due to give birth to the couple's second child in late July, and he says he plans to be home in North Carolina with her when that happens.

The Open begins July 19 at Royal Lytham and St. Annes.

Simpson, who is playing this week at the Travelers Championship, says his wife is no longer cleared to travel with him.

He says winning his first major championship last week made the decision not to go to Lancashire a bit harder, but that witnessing the birth of his son, 16-month-old James, was one of the greatest experiences of his life and he wants that experience again.