WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (October 8, 2026) – Paul Simson has done it again.

At 75 years old, the most decorated champion in Carolinas Golf Association history continues to prove that age is just a number. On Thursday, Simson of Raleigh, N.C., added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career, capturing the 65th Carolinas Senior Amateur Championship at Waynesville Inn & Golf Club with an eagle on the first playoff hole.

And even after decades of championship golf, Simson believes his winning approach shot may have been one of the finest of his career.

Facing reigning CGA Senior Men's Player of the Year Joe Jaspers of Huntersville, N.C., in a sudden-death playoff, Simson delivered when it mattered most. On the par-5 18th hole, he struck a brilliant second shot to approximately six feet, setting up an eagle putt that would secure yet another CGA championship.

Simson later described the approach as one of, if not the greatest, shots he has ever hit under pressure.

For a player whose competitive résumé spans generations, that is quite a statement.

Simson entered the final round with a two-stroke advantage following rounds of 68 and 66. His closing 1-under-par 71 brought him to 8-under-par 205 for the championship.

But Jaspers had other plans.

Starting the final round seven strokes behind Simson, Jaspers produced a sensational 7-under-par 64, the lowest round of the championship, to erase the deficit and force a playoff. His final round followed an opening 76 and a second-round 65, completing a remarkable comeback that nearly delivered him the title.

With both players tied at 205 after 54 holes, the championship returned to the 18th tee, where Simson needed just one extra hole to settle the outcome.

The victory adds to an extraordinary career that has already established Simson as one of the most accomplished amateur golfers in the history of the Carolinas.

While many competitors his age have stepped away from championship golf, Simson has continued to dominate the CGA's Super Senior ranks. Just last month, he captured the N.C. Super Senior Championship at Mill Creek Golf Club, adding another title to his ever-growing collection.

But this week in Waynesville, Simson stepped back into the Senior division, competing against players who could be nearly 20 years younger.

The result was more of the same.

His victory serves as another reminder that experience, precision and an unwavering competitive spirit can overcome the years. Against a field of accomplished senior amateurs, including the reigning Senior Men's Player of the Year, Simson once again proved he belongs at the top.

Behind Simson and Jaspers, Rick Cloninger of Rock Hill, S.C., finished alone in third place at 7-under-par 206 following rounds of 71, 67 and 68.

Lenny Nash of Charlotte, N.C., and Steve Harwell of Mooresville, N.C., shared fourth place at 3-under-par 210. Nash closed with a 68, while Harwell posted a final-round 69.

Skip Taylor of Flat Rock, N.C., finished sixth at even-par 213, while four players shared seventh at 1-over-par 214: Sherrill Britt of West End, N.C.; David Smith of Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Paul Slomkowski of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Jonathan McDonald of Hollywood, S.C.

For Simson, however, the lasting memory from Waynesville may not simply be another trophy or another entry in the record books.

It may be that second shot into the 18th green.

At 75 years old, with another championship hanging in the balance, Simson produced a moment worthy of his legendary career.

And once again, Paul Simson is a Carolinas champion.

The Carolinas Golf Association would like to thank the staff and members of Waynesville Inn & Golf Club for hosting the 65th Carolinas Senior Amateur Championship.