To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

MORE TOP 100: Back to No. 8 | Forward to No. 6 | Top 100 archive

2013 PREVIEW: It's hard to improve on a year when you win twice, finish second in the FedExCup and pocket more than $6 million. But Webb Simpson managed to do just that when he picked up his first major championship at the U.s. Open in only his fifth start in one of golf's crown jewels. Ranked second in par-breakers and 16th in the TOUR's all-around category, Simpson should have more opportunities to prosper in 2013.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: Simpson started the final round at The Olympic Club four strokes off the pace being set by Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell. He closed the gap with a 68 that included three straight birdies on the front nine and a string of eight pars on the back. McDowell had a chance to force a playoff at the 72nd hole but his 25-footer for birdie wouldn't fall and Simpson became the fifth come-from-behind winner in as many U.S. Opens held at The Olympic Club. Several weeks later came another highlight -- his daughter Willow was born. –- Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: Webb was not having a good year prior to the U.S. Open but an intense week of practice resulted in his first major title. Simpson is such a well-rounded person and has such a good support group, starting with his wife Dowd, that he is going to be a winner on TOUR for a long time. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: No gamer expected him to maintain the staggering form he exhibited in 2011, so that he banked nearly $3 million less wasn't so much a downturn as it was a reset. Of course, he fulfilled a primary goal in winning the U.S. Open, but he also failed to chase any of his first six top 10s with a top 25. (His last of seven top 10s occurred in his final start.) If he's going to be a first-round pick, we need to rely on more consistency. Instead, he's a reliable second-rounder until further notice. Mild value for salary gamers at $3.436 million. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

SOCIAL MEDIA: Find him on Twitter

2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 13th

Final Playoffs ranking 16th

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

What is your prediction for Webb Simpson in 2013? Fill out the form below and let us know