Like a fine California cabernet, Paul Simson keeps getting better with age.
Simson, the 2010 and 2012 U.S. Senior Amateur champion, was at it again last week at the magnificent Kittansett Club in Marion, Massachusetts. At 71, he easily advanced to match play and then, for the 14th time in as many tries since he became Senior Amateur-eligible, he won his first-round match. Said differently, every time Simson has advanced to match play at the Senior Amateur, he has won his first match.
That is an unprecedented accomplishment.
“I seem to focus pretty well in match play and I am able to dig down deep, and that’s what you have to do. You just fight every hole.” – Paul Simson
Simson played poorly on the front nine in his first match against Buddy Allen, but he rallied on the inward side, playing the final nine holes in 1-under par. He capped it off by holing a 42-foot birdie on the final hole to advance.
Paul Simson hits his second shot on the 12th hole during the U.S. Senior Amateur’s round of 32. Photo: Kathryn Riley, USGA
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