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Sims Works His Way To The Top

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By MICK ELLIOTT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 3, 2008

Updated: 07/03/2008 02:58 pm

TAMPA - Nobody understands the workings of the Tampa Sports Authority's three municipal golf courses - Rocky Point, Rogers Park and Babe Zaharias - like newly appointed director of operations Kennie Sims.

That's because long ago, Sims' relationship with the three courses moved from a job to something much more rewarding.

"I started out with the TSA 26 years ago at Rogers Park," Sims, 46, said. "I have worked at all three courses. I have been director of junior golf instruction, director of golf marketing, head pro at Babe Zaharias and Rogers Park and an assistant at Rocky Point."

There is no disputing Sims has become a popular and recognized face in the local golf community. What makes Sims' story interesting is how he made it happen.

"A kid from Harlem, N.Y., growing up to be director of golf in Tampa, that is an unlikely story," Sims said. "I'm probably the only golf pro in the country from Harlem."

Sims began learning the game when he was 8 years old, playing on a battered municipal course in the Bronx. His father took up the game while in the Army and later shared the sport with his son after completing his service.

"I grew up in an area where first of all there were not many kids my age that had activities with the fathers," Sims said. "And of those who did have activities, I was the only one that played golf with their dad.

"So I've always been a muni man. I've turned down opportunities to go into the private sector because this is where my heart is."

From the area's best-known golf faces through the occasional weekend player, everybody who deals with Sims recognizes his sincerity.

"I've known Kennie forever," said Gary Koch, the NBC golf announcer who grew up in Tampa and continues to make it his home. "He'll do a great job because he is very, very conscientious. And I have never seen him without a smile on his face. He'll be a perfect fit."

Sims understands the many different parts that are municipal golf compared with private clubs.

"As a muni man I know we are a cross section of everybody," he said. "You have people of all backgrounds and all economic income brackets and not just one geographical region. Some people who play golf at Palma Ceia also come and play at Rocky Point or Rogers Park or the Babe. You can't say that vice versa.

"And I think it's important for our customers to understand we are always looking to improve our quality and service. We want to offer them a quality golf experience."

In 1979, Sims won the New York City high school golf championship. He won three conference titles at Fayetteville (N.C.) State University before graduating. After college he dabbled in minitour competition, but settled in Tampa and joined the staff at Rogers Park.

He has been recognized by the West Center Chapter of the North Florida PGA of America as golf professional of the year and served a term as president of the chapter.

"When former TSA director of golf Burt Stump passed away in 1999, this became a dream of mine," Sims said. "I always knew I would get my opportunity. I just did not know when.

"My journey has been nothing but fun. For years when I've stood at the counter and when somebody comes in and does not have a smile on their face, I always wonder, 'Wow, what's the problem? You're playing golf?'"

Reporter Mick Elliott can be reached at (813) 281-2534 or melliott@tampatrib.com.

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