Some 26 injured United States veterans spent three days – June 18-20 – at Kernwood CC in Salem playing qualifying rounds for The Simpson Cup, an annual Ryder Cup-style tournament pitting a team of 10 injured US veterans against a team of UK competitors.
The tournament is organized by The On Course Foundation, which started in England in 2009 and expanded to the United States in 2013. Founded by Sir John Simpson, the foundation’s mission “is to build confidence and self-belief in our members by teaching them golf playing and business skills, and setting them on a path to meaningful employment opportunities in the golf industry.“
This is the seventh year that a qualifying tournament for the Simpson Cup has been held at Kernwood.
The event kicked off with a practice round on June 18. Veterans were paired in foursomes with Kernwood members and sponsors. The veterans played their balls in preparation for qualifying; others played a Bramble format (all team members tee off, then the team selects the best drive; all members hit their second shot from the chosen location. From this point on, each golfer plays his/her own ball, stroke-play style, until it is holed). Winners were the team of Mark Cohen, Ricky Cohen, Owen Picariello and Shawn Whitmore at 20 under par.
That night, Kernwood hosted a BBQ dinner for players and other club and family members. Kernwood head PGA professional Frank Dully welcomed all, and General David McKiernan, US Army Retired, a Kernwood member and Board Director of The On Course Foundation, served as tournament host and addressed dinner guests. McKiernan introduced every veteran and told the story of The On Course Foundation and its ongoing commitment to using golf as a platform to recovery, camaraderie and employment for many injured, wounded and sick veterans.
Attendees were most moved, however, by speaker Nick Kimmel, a retired Marine Sergeant and triple amputee. While in Afghanistan, Nick fell on a 40-pound IED and miraculously survived but lost both legs and one arm. A talented athlete and golfer in his youth, Nick felt he had lost both his ability and passion for the game of golf with his injuries. An outing with some friends and a connection to The On Course Foundation reignited Nick’s passion for the game, where he has been able to rebuild his game with veterans experiencing similar journeys. Nick plays to a low-teens handicap and has won several Adaptive Golf events. Nick’s words moved the crowd and the following auction raised nearly $45,000.
June 19-20 were dedicated to two rounds of qualifying on the par 70 Donald Ross Kernwood course. Using the Stableford scoring method, each foursome of Veterans was accompanied by a Kernwood member acting as forecaddie and rules resource. Despite smothering heat, the veterans competed well and five competitors played well enough to be chosen as members of the US team.
The Simpson Cup will be contested Oct. 6-9 at the legendary links at Shinnecock Hill Golf Club on Long Island, NY. Both teams will be looking to win the Cup, which needs a home after a halved match in 2023 at Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s in England.