JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (Oct. 31, 2018) – Two-time Carolinas Senior Champion, Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C., started his quest for a third Senior Championship with an 8-under 64 on Wednesday. Simpson used nine birdies on the day to open up a four-shot lead.
The insurance executive was not able to make it for a practice round but relied on fellow accomplished amateur, Frank Ford of Charleston, S.C.. for course knowledge. Ford is fresh off a victory at the South Carolina Super Senior. Simson, a 36-time CGA Champion, used that advice to get around the course with ease.
"I just avoided the areas I knew would be trouble,” he said. “Today just seemed easy to me, it was a good day."
Ford currently is tied for fifth after an opening round 70. Rich Weston of Pawleys Island, S.C., started out his first round with four birdies on his outward nine. After coming home in even par, Weston finished with a 4-under 68 that left him in solo second.
Gary Robinson of Fayetteville, N.C., and Russ Perry of Winston-Salem, N.C., finished with rounds of 3-under 69 to put them in a tie at third place.
Simson leads Carolina Senior Amateur with 64
Paul Simson leads the Carolina Senior Amateur as he chases a third title in the event.