By Craig Potter
The Simpson Cup is designed to give injured servicemen and women self-confidence and employment opportunities.
PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The Simpson Cup began its fifth annual tournament on Tuesday at Oak Hill Country Club. Team USA won the match play on Tuesday, 4-2, over Team GB on Oak Hill’s West course. The 12 singles matches will take place on Wednesday on Oak Hill’s East course.
The tournament is named after its founder, John Simpson of Great Britain, a former Senior Vice President of International Management Group (IMG), who only has one fully functioning leg as a result of suffering from polio as a child. During his time at IMG, Simpson managed elite sportsmen such as Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Greg Norman, Vijay Singh, and Lord Sebastian Coe.
The tournament is between teams of 13 injured Servicemen and women, and veterans from the United States and their Great Britain counterparts.
“The idea came about when I started the On Course Foundation about 6 years ago,” Simpson said. “Being disable myself…I’m in a great position being in the golf industry, to try and set a charity up to get the guys and girls playing golf.
“The On Course Foundation teaches them golf on a long term basis, and when they get the self-confidence and self-esteem that they’ll get from that (because) golf is the only game you can play if you’re handicapped and disabled on a level playing field with able-bodied people.”
Simpson added that the goal of the Foundation also is to get work, either full-time or part-time, for the veterans in the golf industry.
“We started the Simpson Cup five years ago to get awareness for the charity and to raise funds,” he said.
The Ryder Cup-style event showcases the unique position of golf as one of the few sports where players of all skills and abilities can play together on a level playing field, because of the official golf handicap system.
In its 115-year history, Oak Hill Country Club has played host to the U.S. Open on three occasions, along with three PGA Championships.
“This is quite an honor (to host this event),” said Jason Ballard, the Oak Hill golf pro. “I consider this my first major in my tenure here. It’s been 2 years in planning, and we’re so excited.
“This is more about team working and being part of a unit. Both teams, you can see, it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about them being a part of something bigger and more special.”
Ballard added, “This is a fund-raising event, and the most important thing is that we’re raising awareness and funds for both the On Course Foundation and to all the local veterans agencies here. We’re showcasing them.”
OHCC Club President Tim Thaney echoed Simpson’s delight at adding this remarkable tournament to the already-impressive repertoire.
“This has been the most welcoming club I’ve ever been to,” said On Course Foundation Director John Dodds. “The support we’ve received from the members of the golf club, and everyone we’ve met has made it overwhelming. It’s going to be the biggest event we’ve ever done…It’s an honor and a privilege to be here.”
When asked if the Simpson Cup also will follow the Ryder Cup’s tradition of only holding the event once at any one golf course, John Simpson said, “We want to come back to Oak Hill.”
Competitors involved in the Simpson Cup are all members of the On Course Foundation. The Simpson Cup raises awareness and funds for the On Course Foundation, a 501(c)(3) registered organization in the USA and a registered charity in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Links
Simpson Cup – www.simpsoncup.com
Videos
John Simpson interview – https://youtu.be/5c1IML7oU1A
John Simpson (continued) – https://youtu.be/ckA_VZ3mLOc
John Dodds interview – https://youtu.be/_g8N9Jzp4DQ
Jason Ballard interview – https://youtu.be/puNlqU8D5HA