UPDATE: The excitement is palpable as the 79th United States Blind Golf Association (USBGA) Championship kicks off on September 17, 2023, at the Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale, Minnesota. Competitors, including nine-time champion Jeremy Poincenot, are ready to showcase their incredible skills and determination despite their visual impairments.
At just 19, Poincenot faced a life-altering diagnosis of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, a genetic condition that led to his blindness. Undeterred, he took to the driving range with his father, Lionel, who gifted him golf clubs just before his diagnosis. “If I swing and miss the ball, then I’m done,” he recalls. But a few successful shots reignited his passion for the game, propelling him to become one of the world’s best blind golfers.
The USBGA Championship, first held in 1946, brings together blind golfers from various sight classifications: B1 (no vision), B2 (limited vision), and B3 (usable vision). Each player is paired with a coach or guide, ensuring they navigate the course effectively. “Our coaches are essentially caddies on steroids,” says USBGA President Bob Banks, who also lost his vision due to Leber.
Among the competitors is Jake Olson, a trailblazer who became the first fully blind athlete to play in a Division I college football game. “The effort, the time, the commitment — my dad is the reason I’m the golfer I am today,” Olson says, emphasizing the critical role of family support in overcoming challenges.
The competition not only highlights athletic prowess but also the emotional journey of these athletes. Mario Tobia, a two-time USBGA champion, lost his sight at 40 but found solace and purpose in golf. “Golf was one of the few sports I could still play as a blind person,” he states. His son, Michael, serves as his coach, and the bond they share is a testament to the sport’s power to unite families.
As the championship unfolds, players will face the same frustrations and triumphs that all golfers experience. “Golf is brutal. Borderline cruel,” Olson reflects. Yet, he and his peers find joy in every shot, proving that passion knows no bounds.
The USBGA community is tight-knit and competitive, with players expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing. “You don’t have to see it to tee it!” is a mantra echoed among competitors.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect thrilling matches and inspiring stories of resilience. This year’s championship is not just about winning; it’s a celebration of tenacity, human spirit, and the transformative power of golf.
Stay tuned for updates as these remarkable athletes strive for glory on the greens.