Simpson had a brief period as a successful tournament golfer, making an impact in 1913 and 1914. In 1913 he qualified for the Sphere and Tatler Foursomes Tournament, the Open Championship and News of the World Match Play. He also played a number of exhibition matches during the year. In 1914 he again qualified for the Sphere and Tatler Foursomes Tournament and the Open, where he qualified in a tie for 13th place. On the first day on the Open, Simpson had rounds of 80 and 77 to be in a tie for 13th place. Final day rounds of 78 and 75 lifted him into third place behind Harry Vardon and J. H. Taylor.
