By Bob Andrews
The United States Blind Golf Association (USBGA) promotes the game for golfers with limited or no vision.
In 1946 a hand full of totally blind men, primarily WW II veterans, gathered in California to renew their competitive golf spirit. They followed the Rules of Golf, with the assistance of a partner, or coach to help aim and guide them.
Those first competitive golf rounds became an annual event and over 70 years later the National Championship continues today. 
As membership grew the USBGA was organized in 1953. With the help of outings and other fund-raising events, plus financial aid is made available for blind golfers wanting to participate in an event.
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 Austrailia. 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 Championship that will be held in September, they also host ISPS Handa sponsored, U.S. Open and Vision Cup. A full slate of Regional, as well as, International tournaments are held, as well.
In June,14 of the best USBGA blind and vision impaired golfers gathered at Mt. Kisco Country Club for the 42nd ‘Guiding Eyes’ Blind Golf Classic. The tournament known as “The Masters” of blind golf has been renamed the Pat W. Browne, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament. In honor of Browne, who won this event 21 times.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A took note of the growth of blind golf and asked the USBGA to help write The Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities.
Two small exceptions to the rules were made:
- grounding a club in a hazard was allowed
- a coach is allowed to stand on the line of play, as well as, the line of a putt.
The USBGA grew to include ‘vision impaired,’ plus the BlindGolf.com website was developed. The Midnight Golfer, a quarterly newsletter is circulated to alert members about opportunities to compete, plus record tournament results.
The USBGA has even established a Hall of Fame to recognize players, coaches and the friends of blind golf.
USBGA members are serious in the belief, “You Don’t Have To See It, To Tee It,” and look forward to future Blind Golf events.
To become involved or find more information visit: https://usblindgolf.com/about.htm
Note about the Author:
Bob Andrews was the President of the USBGA for ten years. During his tenure, the USGA and the R&A created “A Modification of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities”, which now allows disabled golfers to compete in tournament play. Through his leadership, the International Blind Golf Association was organized. A history of the USBGA can be found at the website: https://usblindgolf.com/history.htm.
