Simons, Former Walker Cup Player, Dies At 55


December 13, 2005

Far Hills, N.J. - Jim Simons , a standout amateur who held a two-stroke lead entering the final round of the 1971 U.S. Open, died Dec. 8 at the age of 55. Jacksonville Fire and rescue Department had found Simons' body in his home. Cause of death was listed as unknown.

Simons was a two-time All-American at Wake Forest (1971 and '72), attending the university on an Arnold Palmer Scholarship. He also played on the 1971 USA Walker Cup squad, which suffered its first defeat to the Great Britain and Ireland team in 33 years. He'd later go on to compete on the PGA Tour from 1972-1988, winning three times, despite being legally blind.

His bigger claim to fame, arguably, culminated during his amateur years. During a two-year stretch, in 1971 and '72, he earned low amateur honors at both Opens. The '71 Open marked the third time he appeared in the event, missing the cut in '67 at Baltusrol Golf Club and the following year at Oak Hill.

But in '71 at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., Simons ' performance through the first three rounds evoked the name of Johnny Goodman , who incidentally was the last amateur to win the championship in 1933. Simons , who had held a two-stroke lead, stumbled in the final round with a 6-over 76 and tie for fifth. Since then, it has been the best finish by an amateur.

"I think that was the most composed I've ever been at any time in my career," said Simons afterward. "Maybe it was me being a little bit naïve."

Simons grew up in the Pittsburgh suburb of Butler before making his home in Jacksonville, Fla. Funeral services were held Monday in Lake Worth, Fla., Monday. He is survived by his parents, two sisters and three sons.

The Florida Times-Union contributed.