“My grandson – and Phillip’s son – is playing in a soccer tournament, and they just won their first round,” Simson said. “They're up against probably the toughest team in the tournament now, and Phillip’s wife is there giving us choreographed updates.”

There was no need for Simson to worry about his standing, particularly following his tidy opening round of 2-under 70. Having won this tournament in 2010 and 2012 and finishing runner-up in 2017 – all with Phillip on his bag - he was instead reveling in the ambiance that surrounded him at The Honors Course.

Since Simson first arrived for the 1991 U.S. Amateur, there has been a symbiotic relationship between the Simson and Pete Dye-designed golf course.

“From the first time I stepped out on this place some 33 years ago, I have just loved every step,” Simson said. “I walked around here after that first practice round and I told myself I've got to figure out a way to get back here.”

That opportunity presented itself in 2005 when the John T. Lupton Memorial was introduced at The Honors. Since that time, Simson has been a fixture in the prestigious tournament, capturing three straight Senior Division titles in the Lupton from 2007-2009, before winning twice more in 2013 and 2014. His annual pilgrimage to The Honors has certainly enabled him to have familiarity with what awaited him on Saturday.

“My expectations are always very high, but realistic,” Simson said. “Today, with the conditions absolutely perfect and knowing the course like I do, I thought I was going to do pretty well the way I was hitting the ball.”

Simson’s premonition proved to be absolutely spot-on.

After a bogey on No. 4, Simson strung together a six-hole stretch where he one-putted every hole. Three of those resulted in birdies on 6, 8 and 9, while the others were clutch par-savers.

“All of a sudden, things are looking pretty good. When I got it up and down from 65 yards short of the hole on 10, and made that putt, I’m thinking this is going to be a good day if I don’t mess it up.”

Sitting in a tie atop the leaderboard with Ronald Ewing of Merced, Cal. heading into Sunday’s second stroke play round, Simson knows to not lower his guard when taking on The Honors Course.

“it’s just one of those places that if you don't go where you're supposed to go, your score can go up in a hurry,” Simson said. “It takes more than a couple practice rounds to really understand what Pete Dye was doing with his design. You can't have an ego and try to play this course and try to overpower it. If you do, you’re done.”

Simson’s frequent visits to The Honors and his tournament pedigree seem to align for a special week for father and son. No matter the outcome, he’s going to soak in the experience and relish the moment.

“How can you not love this place?” Simson said. “Everything is understated and relaxed. You're not walking on eggshells when you come here because nobody has an ego. They are just gracious hosts here. It’s like being among family.”

Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com.