Simpson isn't disappointed that Tiger Woods isn't around to challenge him. Woods missed the cut for only the ninth time in his PGA career.
"When he's not lurking around on Saturdays and Sundays, it makes it a little easier," Simpson said.
Champions Tour
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. - Tom Kite shot a 3-under 69 at Pebble Beach for a share of the lead with Brad Bryant after the second round of the Nature Valley First Tee Open. Bobby Clampett, Peter Senior, and Mark McNulty were tied for third at 5 under. The 62-year-old Kite won the 1983 Bing Crosby National Pro-Am and 1992 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, the site of the final round Sunday.
European Tour
SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France - David Howell of England shot a 4-under 67 to share the lead with Anders Hansen of Denmark at 6-under after the third round of the French Open.
Hansen finished with a 69. South African George Coetzee is 1 shot back after a 70. Overnight leader Marcel Siem of Germany had a 73 to fall 2 behind the leaders.
Lee Westwood strained his groin when he slipped while walking to the first tee. He had a double-bogey on the opening hole and bogeyed the next five. He finished with a 76.
