Paul Simson
2010 British Senior Amateur Champion
SURREY, England, (August 13, 2010) --
American Paul Simson maintained his overnight lead to
win the Seniors Open Amateur Championship by five
shots from countryman Chip Lutz. Closing with an
impressive 54-hole total of eight under-par 208, with
rounds of 70, 69 and 69, the 59-year-old from North
Carolina added this title to two previous wins in 2006
and 2008, which came at Saunton and Royal Cinque
Ports and Prince's.
Simson, who was recently inducted into the North
Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, got off to a flying start
with birdies on the second and third holes. The
narrowly missed 90-foot eagle-putt on the third hole
was then followed by a stunning six-iron shot into 15
feet on the par-three seventh and a two-putt birdie on
the par-five eighth for an outward nine of 33, two-
under par. A three-iron to eighteen feet and two
putts secured another impressive birdie on the par-five
16th, before he closed in style with a 15-foot birdie-
putt on the final hole.
“I really wanted to get off to a good start, which I was
able to do,” Simson said. “I had a good swing pattern
going and it went really well; I was in control. This is
the best score I have shot in this event and I am just
very pleased.
“The golf course here at Walton Heath is so wonderful.
I can’t wait to play in the Seniors Open Amateur again
next year.”
Courtesy of his victory, Simson will return to Walton
Heath for the Senior Open Championship, as well as
the US Seniors Amateur, which takes place at Lake
Nona in October.
“It is a real thrill to win here, it’s a great great golf
course and I am really looking forward to coming back
here for the Senior Open.”
Pennsylvania’s Chip Lutz made a spirited challenge for
the title. Having started the final day four shots behind
the leader, Lutz recorded a final round of 70 for a
three-under-par total of 213. Playing off a handicap of
plus three, the 55-year-old from Ledge Rock Golf Club
made three birdies on the front nine, one coming after
an exceptional bunker shot to three feet on the 8th. A
three-putt on the par-five 16th hole, however, ended
his challenge.
“I knew I had to play well as Paul had a really good
lead. I thought I could put a little pressure on early
but he had a great start, so I just tried to play away
and make some birdies. I just didn’t make enough to
catch up.
“I love the course, all the history and tradition here.
It’s unlike other places. It’s a wonderful place and I
have had a great trip.”
Former Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup Captain
Garth McGimpsey finished a further two shots behind in
third position after today’s one-over-par 73 left him on
a total of 215, one under par for the Championship.
Roy Smethurst, winner in 2003 at Blairgowrie, scored a
54-hole total of 220, after rounds of 71, 77, and 72,
to win the 65 and over age category. The 2011
Seniors Open Amateur
Championship will be played at Royal Portrush on 3-5
August.
ABOUT THE
British Senior Amateur
The British Senior Amateur, called the "Seniors
Amateur Championship" in the United Kingdom,
was launched by The R&A in 1969 to help select
a Great Britain & Ireland side to play in the
World Senior Amateur Team Championship.
Though the British Senior Amateur, played for the
first time at Formby, was an instant success, the
team event did not survive beyond 1969. Charlie
Green has been the most successful player in
the history of the event, winning six times in
seven years beginning in 1988. Like the U.S.
Senior Amateur, players must be over the age of
55 to play. Notable courses played over the
years include Royal County Down, Royal
Portrush, Royal Aberdeen, and Walton Heath.
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