18 Holes 18 Questions: Randy Simms

September 1, 2023

18 Holes! 18 QUESTIONS!

Name:   Randy Simms

Glendenning Golf Course

Biography: Randy Simms has been an avid golfer for over 30 years, but he would be best known to Newfoundland and Labrador as the host of Open Line on VOCM. In fact his entire career was dedicated to broadcasting and spanned 40 years in total. His time behind the microphone and in front of the camera in Ontario and here at home was not his only passion. He also loves politics and spent 28 years serving as a Councillor in the city of Mount Pearl – 12 of those years were served as Mayor. Randy is married to Florence Balsom from Clarenville and they have one son, Justin. They also have a grandson named Jude. Pop is anxious to get him out on the golf course hitting balls.

  1. What is your full name?

Randy Lawrence Simms

  1. Where were your born”

Gander, Newfoundland

  1. Where do you live today?

Mount Pearl

  1. What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That despite my persona as an extrovert, I’m actually quite shy.  For example, I never go to the golf course alone. I need at least one buddy with me to be comfortable.

  1. Are you a member of a golf club and what club?

Yes, I’m a member of a golf club. I play at Glendenning in Southlands, St. John’s.

  1. Who do you regularly play golf with?

I play with three other regulars.  Leonard Morgan, Ed Grant and Bill Gaulton.  We have a couple of other guys who regularly fill-in when one of us can’t make it.

  1. What’s the favorite course you have ever played?

I’ve played a lot in Canada and the US but I still come back to “Twin Rivers” at the Terra Nova Resort and call it my favorite. 

  1. What course would you like to play anywhere in the world?

 Would anyone be surprised if I said Augusta National?

  1. Where and when did you start golfing?

I was fairly old when I picked up a golf club for the first time. I was maybe 30 at the time.  I was invited to play in a best ball tournament at the old 9 hole golf course in Pippy Park. Let’s say the golf bug bit that first morning and I’ve been chasing it ever since.

  1. Can you (briefly) tell us your most memorable golf experience.

Attending a PGA Tournament in South Carolina and another one in Florida. I got to watch Tiger Woods up close and personal at both of them. That was kind of special for me.

  1. Can you (briefly) tell us your funniest golf experience.

I took 14 strokes once to get out of a sand trap.  Sadly it was not that long ago either. I should be better than that. The guys with me thought it was hilarious. It took me a day or two to get over it and even longer before I saw the humor in it.

  1. What is your greatest golf accomplishment?

I have yet to have a greatest accomplishment in golf.  But my time will come.

  1. How do you like to relax?

 I love to read, watch good movies and play golf. It goes without saying but good food is   always relaxing.

  1. What is your most treasured golf possession?

An appreciation award I received for working on the Loretta Quirke-Dwyer Memorial golf tournament.  Served as an organizer for 20 years.

  1. What is your best/worst quality on the golf course?

Best Quality is that I play quickly. Worst quality is that I can swear just as quickly.

  1. What 3 professional golfers would you like to join you at a dream dinner party?

Tiger Woods, Brooke Henderson and maybe Greg Norman, because I have some questions I’d like to ask him.

  1.    Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

 YES I have. Just this year.  Got a hole in one on the 15th at Glendenning.

  1.  What is your best score ever?

My best score is 80.  I’ve shot it three times. Twice at my home club and once in Myrtle   Beach.  But I’ve never broken it. My buddy Leonard has a ball marker that says I broke   80 on it and he’s holding it for me.  When I break it, he’s going to give it to me…that will be my greatest accomplishment in golf. There may even be pictures.