Paul Simson just keeps winning
(USGA Photo)

In 2010 Simson won the U.S. Senior Amateur, British Senior Amateur, and Canadian Senior Amateur. Simson achieved an international major sweep – something that was previously unprecedented.

“To think that could happen again, that’s crazy talk,” Simson said. “I’m playing not quite as well as that, but maybe with a few tune-ups, I could get there. I’m seven years older than I was then and the guys that are 55 are getting younger every year. I’ve got a little experience that helps me, and helped me again today.”

Indeed, Paul Simson picked up yet another title this week at the Durham Senior Amateur. And get this -- his last five competitive rounds have been a collective 12-under par. That's tough to beat in the Carolinas, or anywhere.

Simson believes some of his equipment tweaks, as well as a boost in confidence, are helping this resurgence.

Having won over 200 titles Simson claims, “Winning never gets old.”

At Croasdaile Country Club, Simson faced an unfamiliar foe.

Mike Roshelli, a sales person from Graham, made his amateur debut shooting an impressive 4-under-par 68 in the first round. That tied him for the lead with Simson.

This was a surprise to Roshelli, who recounted a phone call with his boss where he said he would most likely “choke my guts out” during the final round. Yet there was no choking on the calendar as heavy rains hit the area. Simson would have to win this one.

As has happened so much over the years, Simson won, even though Roshelli gave it his all in the rain. Roshelli went shot-for-shot with Simson, but could not pull away from the grizzled veteran.

“What an honor it is to play against Paul Simson,” Roshelli told the News & Observer after the final round. Although the Durham senior is not as prestigious as some other tournaments that Simson has won, Simson’s wife has made it clear this is one of her favorites. This added some unusual pressure to Simson to bring a second trophy home.

Having won so many trophies over the years, they are becoming a hazard for Simson. Some are in his office, some are on loan at North Ridge and even some at the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. This tournament, though, has landed in a difficult spot on the calendar for Simson, who will next travel to Chattanooga to compete in another large senior championship. To make matters more difficult, Simson has another tournament before then, a major club event at North Ridge Country Club.

All golfers should face Paul Simson's current problem - what to do with all of those trophies.