Simson, a Raleigh insurance executive who has been a dominant force on the amateur scene in the Carolinas for years, celebrated his 55th birthday this month by posting a wire-to-wire win in the 21st N.C. Senior event held at the Country Club of Salisbury with 67-71-70 — 208.
The reigning Carolinas Men’s Player of the Year earned his 14th Carolinas Golf Association title, a list that includes five N.C. Amateurs, four Mid-Amateurs, two Carolina Amateurs and one Father-Son. He also owns two North and South Amateur championships.
“It's a thrill to win my first one,” Simson said at the awards ceremony. “I don’t want to be a senior but I have no choice.”
Simson’s first senior title didn’t come easily, however, as he was pushed to the limit by Logan Jackson of Winston-Salem, who shot 71-68-70 — 209.
“I thought I was cruising with a five-shot lead, but then Logan really got my heart pumping out there on the back nine making all those birdies,” Simson said. “It was a lot of fun.”
Jackson went on a birdie barrage on the final nine, rolling in putts on holes 12, 13, 15 and 17 to trim the deficit to a shot. But his birdie attempt on the 18th hole just missed and Simson’s par sealed the victory.
Bill Boles, a dentist from Wilson, had the lowest final round with a 69 in blustery conditions to take third. Defending champion Robert Kulp of Winston-Salem, also a dentist, finished with a 76 to tie for 12th with 218.
Spike Smith of Pinehurst, who was tied with Simson after his first-round 67, added 73-75 to finish at 215 and tie for sixth with Ken Eichele of Pinehurst and David Strawn of Charlotte.
Chuck Wunsch of Pinehurst tied for 21st with 221. Ron Moore of Pinehurst and Hal Dugenske of Whispering Pines were at 225, and Herb Conway of Whispering Pines was at 228.
Moore Women: The time is now and the price is right for women planning to play in the annual Moore County Women’s Amateur.
Deadline for entering the championship is Friday, June 2.
The tournament is scheduled for the Gene Hamm-designed Beacon Ridge Country Club course Monday and Tuesday, June 12 and 13. The entry fee is only $70 for the two days of golf, art fees, prizes and an awards luncheon following play on Tuesday.
All women who are residents of Moore or belong to a golf club in the county and have reached their 18th birthdays by June 12 are eligible.
Golfers who don’t think their games are strong enough to contend for the title can still enjoy the competition as the field will be broken into eight flights according to handicap. Three places in each flight will win prizes.
Prizes will also be awarded for closest to the pin on par-3 holes and for the most accurate drive both days.
Patty Moore won the overall title last year.
Sugg Advances: Laree Sugg of Pinehurst shot a 1-under-par 70 in the U.S. Women’s Open local qualifier held at Salisbury Country Club to advance to the second round.
Jordan Ridge of Southern Pines shot 82 to tie for 33rd but missed qualifying.
Youth Golf: Got a kid that enjoys playing golf? The Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department is taking registration for its annual youth golf league.
This league gives youngsters ages 8 to 17 an opportunity to play four area golf courses in Southern Pines: Mid Pines, Longleaf, Hyland Hills and Pine Needles.
The program requires a lot of walking, which will provide great exercise. Youths signing up for this program must have some experience in the game. It consists of a half-hour clinic followed by two hours of on-course play during the months of July and August.
Registrations are being accepted at the Southern Pines Recreation Department, or a form can be attained by going online at www.southernpines.net/recreation.
Registration remains open until the league is full, and the fee is $10 for Southern Pines residents and $25 for nonresidents.
Parent volunteers are needed to supervise age groups and drive golf carts. Call 692-2463 for information.
