Webb Simpson had quite the performance in the Barclays last week.

Yep, Heath Slocum generated Monday morning headlines with his tournament-winning 20-foot par putt on the 72nd hole Sunday of the first event in the PGA Playoffs, holding off golf giants Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Paddy Harrington at the Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey.

But Simpson was all the buzz Friday evening after the 24-year-old PGA pro from Raleigh took a two-stroke lead after the second round of play. His play generated some interest here too, as numerous local residents feel an affinity for the ex-Wake Forest golfer because he has spent a lot of time here refining his golf game, and just playing for fun.

His parents, Sam and Debbie, have a home in the Pinehurst area and are members of the Country Club of North Carolina, a place where their son has been known to strike a shot or two.

Simpson, a rookie this year on the Tour, shot a 66-68 in taking his second round lead, the first time he had ever been on top of the leaderboard in his young pro career. He followed that up with rounds of 72 on both Saturday and Sunday on his way to finishing in eighth place at the end of the four rounds. He picked up $232,500 for his effort in New Jersey.

Simpson also has another attachment to the Pinehurst area. He won the 2004 state 4-A individual championship when the championship was contested at Pinehurst No. 2 and 4. His high school, Broughton, also won the state 4-A team championship that year.