Ohio Golf Journal August 2019

Several celebrities have been part of the USBGA history including, Bob Hope, Prince Andrew of the Royal Family, and former President Gerald Ford. NFL quarterback, Eli Manning annually hosts an event that raises funds for blind golf. Ken Venturi, former analyst for CBS, was a huge supporter of the blind golf initiative. For 25 years, he dedicated one weekend to support, “my friends, blind golfers.” British Open winner, Ian Baker-Finch teed it up with USBGA players and former U.S. Open Champion, Payne Stewart played with a blindfold on! He lost to the USBGA national champion but helped create a national awareness of the ability of blind golfers. Several civic organizations like the Rotary Club, Lions Clubs, plus golf equipment corporations and the PGA of America have all contributed to make the annual national championship a special event. Blind Golf has also spread internationally to the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Australia. In 1998, the International Blind Golf Association was established, with the World Championship for Blind Golfers held biennially. Japanese businessman, Dr. Hirahusa Handa believes strongly in the blind golf mission and has become a major contributor for the USBGA. Through the efforts of Handa and additional donations, the USBGA now conducts several events throughout the year. In addition to the 74th National