His cousin was the golfer James Braid. As a boy, Simpson was the favourite caddy of Sir Alexander Grant, principal of the University of Edinburgh, and a regular at the Elie Golf Club course in Earlsferry, where Simpson grew up.
Simpson's family connection to golf is highlighted through his cousin James Braid and his childhood association with Sir Alexander Grant, the principal of the University of Edinburgh, at the Elie Golf Club in Earlsferry, where Simpson was raised.