Simson inducted into SGA Hall of Fame

By Ron Balicki, Golfweek LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 18, 2012) -- In his opening remark while receiving his latest golfing honor, Paul Simson said, "This is really the apex for me in my (amateur) career." Considering everything the Raleigh, N.C., resident has done over his long and storied career in the amateur game, that was a pretty strong statement. It came this past Tuesday night on the eve of the 106th Southern Amateur Championship when Simson was inducted into the Southern Golf Association Hall of Fame during dinner ceremonies at Chenal Country Club. "What a wonderful honor," he said. "It's very, very special." One reason: The exclusiveness of this Hall of Fame. It was established by the SGA in 1972 and its first inductee was Robert T. Jones, Jr., who was inducted posthumously at the 1972 Southern Am at Green island Country Club in Columbus, Ga. It is unique in that it does not necessarily induct a member each year nor does it select multiple inductees in any one year. In this, its 41st year, Simson becomes only the 23rd member and the first since Hubert Green in 2006.