Simson turns tables on Lutz at SOS National Super Senior

October 2, 2021 | by Society of Seniors

- SOS photo

Last year Chip Lutz held off Paul Simson by a single shot in the inaugural NSSC; this year Simson got him back

The newly renovated Columbus (Ohio) Country Club was a perfect setting for the second edition of the National Super Senior Championship. The star-studded 84-man field included 20 of the top 20 Society of Seniors super seniors, 16 of the top 20 Golfweek super seniors, and five of the top ten WAGR super seniors.

Among the high profile contestants were Paul Simson (Raleigh, N.C.), a two-time U.S. Senior Amateur Champion and three-time British Senior Champion, and Chip Lutz (Jupiter, Fla.), a three-time British Senior Champion and a former U.S. Senior Champion. Other notables included Rick Woulfe (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), the number three WAGR-ranked super senior and seven-time SOS champion, and Jeff Burda (Modesto, Calif.), WAGR’s number four ranked super senior and three-time SOS champion.

Simson lost the 2020 National Super Senior Championship to Lutz by a single shot. The epic duel was held at the Forest Creek Golf Club in Pinehurst, as the Society of Seniors celebrated the inaugural NSSC. But this year was a different story, as Simson was determined to set the pace for a better outcome over the slick greens and near-perfect fairways at CCC.

Simson’s opening round three-under 69 was one shot better than Jeff Burda, two shots clear of Dave Pulk (Williamsburg, Va.) at 71 and six shots better than his old foe, Lutz. Burda raced to the lead after round two with a 69 of his own to find himself at the top of the leaderboard at 139. Pulk was next at 142 after a second straight 71.

Simson stumbled a bit, posting a 75 for a 144 two-round total, while Lutz was able to claw his way up the standings with a fine two-under 70 and a 145 total.

When Columbus Country Club hosted the 1964 PGA Championship, only one player reached the 530-yard par-five final hole. The player’s name was Jack Nicklaus at the peak of his game. Young Mr. Nicklaus figured he needed an eagle or at least a birdie to get within reach of eventual winner Bobby Nichols.

Fast-forward 57 years, as the 70-year-old Simson was able to put his second shot on the putting surface. Paul’s resulting three-putt was still good enough for a final-round 73 and a one-over 217 total for the title. The hard-charging Lutz was next at 218 with a nice finishing 73. Also at 218 was Burda, closing with a 79. Dave Pulk finished fourth by himself at 220. Tied for fifth at 222 were Yandell and long-time Florida Gators golf coach and 1986 U.S. Amateur champion Buddy Alexander.

The weather was perfect all week as was the golf course. The week included three holes-in-one: Paul Schlachter (Bridgeville, Pa.) on the 145 yard 13th; Tim Pope (Spartanburg, S.C.) on the tricky 160-yard 7th; and Charlie Yandell (Cashiers, N.C.) on the long 200-yard 17th. Congrats to all.

Results: Society of Seniors National Super Senior

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Paul Simson	Raleigh, NC	800	69-75-73=217
T2	Chip Lutz	Reading, PA	500	75-70-73=218
T2	Jeff Burda	Modesto, CA	500	70-69-79=218
4	David Pulk	Williamsburg, VA	400	71-71-78=220
T5	Buddy Alexander	Auburn, AL	400	76-73-73=222

View full results for Society of Seniors National Super Senior

About the Society of Seniors National Super Senior

Simson turns tables on Lutz at SOS National Super Senior

First played in 2020, this is a 54-hole individual stroke play open to any golfer who is at least 65 years of age (as of event start date) and who meets the qualifying criteria laid out by the Society of Seniors. The event will include invitations to...