Sorority Helps United States Blind Golf Association Land 177 New Partners

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 2013) – Members of Delta Gamma Sorority at the University of Memphis are changing the lives of blind and visually impaired golfers around the world.

            A telephone campaign by coeds volunteering their time helped the United States Blind Golf Association single-handedly land 177 new partners, making it more possible to stage national and regional tournaments, junior golf clinics, and Hall of Fame inductions for blind athletes.

            "It is the first time a university-based organization has volunteered to support the USBGA," said Survey Chair Diane Wilson, 2013 USBGA Ladies Division National Champion.

            Former USBGA President David Meador noted that the "high-flying" results occurred when the coeds manned phones between classes during a very busy week in April. Thanks to their efforts, the organization has boosted its mailing list for the Midnight Golfer Partners Quarterly newsletter, while landing national exposure and resources. The newsletter tells the organization's story with heartfelt articles and photos about the world of blind golf.

           

            "We are very proud of what Delta Gamma has done," Meador added. "Their philanthropic work brought unprecedented support -- a life-changing development for our members, as well as other aspiring blind golfers across the United States, Canada and Europe."

            The United States Blind Golf Association was founded in 1953 by blind golfer and lawyer Bob Allman.  Today, the 501(c)3 organization conducts three annual tournaments and holds more than a dozen clinics for blind and vision-impaired children through its junior blind golf program. The USBGA also has a Hall of Fame that honors legendary players and contributing organizations.

            "Every place we go, people tell us they had no idea blind people could play golf," said USBGA President Jim Baker of Hermitage, Tenn.  "Playing national and international championships gives us the great opportunity to break stereotypes and demonstrate the power of partnership and doing what most might consider impossible.

            To make participation in the blind golf tournaments possible, the organizing committee has to raise more than $40,000 annually from businesses, organizations and individuals. The funds pay for the players' green fees, lodging, and meals.

            "Yes, we're about golf, but what we're really about is demonstrating for adults and children alike that absolutely nothing's impossible through partnership," Meador noted.

            For more information about the USBGA National Championship tournament or to sign up to receive the Midnight Golfer Partners Quarterly newsletter, call (615) 385-0784, send an email inquiry to davidmeador7@gmail.com, or visit http://www.USBlindGolf.com. 

Nashville's David Meador Repeats as Blind Golf National Champion

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 2013) – Nashville blind golfer David Meador repeated as national champion in the 68th annual United States Blind Golf Association National Championship, an annual tournament that was held in Oregon City, Oregon, from Aug. 18-21.  

            Blind and visually impaired golfers from as far away as Hawaii and Massachusetts flew to the Portland area to vie for the title of "best blind or visually impaired golfer in the nation." The USBGA National Championship occurred at Stone Creek Golf Club.  The organization presented trophies to the winners and inducted Championship Director Ron Plath to its 2012 Hall of Fame during a special dinner on Aug. 21. Another Middle Tennessean, USBGA President Jim Baker of Hermitage, was named blind net champion by landing the highest net score during the two days of tournament play.

            Golfers competed in categories ranging from totally blind (B-1) and little usable vision (B-2) to better usable vision (B-3). Winners in those categories received trophies designating them as the best blind or vision-impaired golfers in the nation. To be eligible to compete on the national level, a blind or vision-impaired golfer must have scored 125 or less (B-1), 110 or less (B-2), or 100 or less (B-3) in three qualifying rounds of golf.

            The winners were

            *  B-1 Division (totally blind): David Meador of Nashville, Tenn. (first place/national champion); Mario Tobia of Mount Laurel, N.J. (second place); and Ron Derry of Baltimore, Ohio (third place).

            *  B-1 Division (totally blind): Jim Baker of Hermitage, Tenn. (blind net champion).

            *  B-1 Division (totally blind): Tony Schiros of Odessa, Fla. (blind most improved).

            *  B-2 (little usable vision): Jeremy Poincenot of Carlsbad, Calif. (first place/national champion); and Jim Durand of Longview, Wash. (second place).

            *  B-3 (better usable vision): Ron Plath of Lake Oswego, Oregon (first place/national champion); and Scott Wilson of Ontario, Oregon (second place).

            *  B-2 and B-3 (little or better usable vision): Harry Hester of Austin, Texas. (net champion).

            *  B-2 and B-3 (little or better usable vision): Mike McKone of Warwick, R.I. (most improved).

            * B-1, B-2 and B-3 Senior Division: Millard Reed of Reno, Nevada (low net senior)

            "For someone like me, competing in a tournament like this is an opportunity to continue playing the game of golf," Ron Plath said. "I was also honored to be inducted into the USBGA Hall of Fame and to chair an exemplary event like this in my home state of Oregon. I enjoy the competition along with the ability to increase the awareness of a great thing, blind golf."

            All 19 National Championship tournament competitors playing in Portland will be accompanied by coaches who "act as their eyes". The coaches join their blind partners for breakfast, drive them to the golf course, manage their equipment, develop game-playing strategies, and provide directional advice for each hole.  The golfers do all of the swinging, putting, slicing, triple-bogeying, and birdying.

            National tournament competitors and their coaches were Jim Baker (Kyle Seeley) of Hermitage, Tenn.; John Casolo (David Mouton) of Waterbury, Conn.; Ron Derry (Roger Turnbull) of Baltimore, Ohio; Jim Durand (Steve Jones) of Longview, Wash.; Harry Hester (Randy Nutt) of Austin, Texas; Phil Hubbard (Todd Gariepy) of Orange City, Fla.; Takeo Maruyama (Ellen Tajima) of Pearl City, Hawaii; David Meador (Everett Davis) of Nashville, Tenn.; Michael McKone (Ed Hewitt) of Warwick, R.I.; Bill McMahon (Kevin Sullivan) of Framingham, Mass.; Mike Mercado (Tim Bartlett) of Albany, New York; Ron Plath (Regi Christensen) of Lake Oswego, Oregon;  Jeremy Poincenot (Lionel Poincenot) of Carlsbad, Calif.; Dick Pomo (Steve Olson) of Green Valley, Arizona; Millard Reed (Jay Carter) of Reno, Nevada; Tony Schiros (Rich Gassner) of Odessa, Fla.; Mario Tobia (Matthew Tobia) of Mount Laurel, N.J.; Diane Wilson (Byron Wilson) of Seattle; and Scott Wilson (Vicky Wilson) of Ontario, Oregon.

            To make both tournaments possible, the organizing committee had to raise more than $40,000 from businesses, organizations and individuals. Tournament sponsors included the International Blind Golf Association and the Northwest Blind Golfers Association. The funds paid for the players' green fees, lodging, and meals.

            The United States Blind Golf Association was founded in 1953 by blind golfer and lawyer Bob Allman.  Today, the organization conducts three annual tournaments and holds more than a dozen clinics for blind and vision-impaired children through its junior blind golf program. The USBGA also has a Hall of Fame that honors legendary players and contributing organizations.

            "Yes, we're about golf, but what we're really about is demonstrating for adults and children alike that absolutely nothing's impossible through partnership," said former USBGA President David Meador.

            For more information about the USBGA National Championship tournament, call (615) 385-0784, send an email inquiry to davidmeador7@gmail.com, or visit http://www.USBlindGolf.com. 

###

Two Middle Tennessee Blind Golfers to Compete in USBGA National Championship

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 2013) – Some 19 blind and visually impaired golfers will compete in the 68th annual United States Blind Golf Association National Championship in the Portland suburb of Oregon City, Ore., from Aug. 18-21.

            Competitors will include totally blind national champion David Meador of Nashville and USBGA President Jim Baker of Hermitage, Tenn.  Other golfers will travel from as far away as Hawaii and Massachusetts to vie for the title of "best blind or visually impaired golfer in the nation." The USBGA National Championship tournament will tee off at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at Stone Creek Golf Course, 14603 S. Stoneridge Drive in Oregon City, Ore.  Hall of Fame and tournament trophy presentations will occur at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Members of the general public may observe tournament play at no charge.

(Blind golfer David Meador works with coach Everett Davis)

            Other highlights of the special week for blind or partially blind golfers will include a "Connect With Community Day" practice round at 10 a.m. on Sunday; a Junior Blind Golf Clinic for 30 area school children from 10 a.m.-noon on Monday; and an 18-hole "Scramble" charity competition for the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation at 2 p.m. Monday.

            The USBGA will stage the National Championship simultaneously with its biennial U.S. Blind Golf Open, a separate international event for blind and partially blind golfers. The "Open" will feature all 20 National Championship competitors, as well as others from as far away as Northern Ireland, Canada, England, Israel, Italy and Japan.

            "Every place we go, people tell us they had no idea blind people could play golf," said Baker. "Playing in the National Championship gives us the opportunity to educate the public about blindness issues."

            All 20 National Championship tournament competitors playing in Portland will be accompanied by coaches who "act as their eyes". The coaches join their blind partners for breakfast, drive them to the golf course, manage their equipment, develop game-playing strategies, and provide directional advice for each hole.  The golfers do all of the swinging, putting, slicing, triple-bogeying, and birdying. Several USBGA golfers, including 2013 USBGA Championship Director Ron Plath of Lake Oswego, Ore., have hit holes-in-one.

 (USBGA Championship Director Ron Plath)

            Golfers compete in categories ranging from totally blind (B-1) and little usable vision (B-2) to better usable vision (B-3). Winners in those categories will receive trophies designating them as the best blind or vision-impaired golfers in the nation. To be eligible to compete on the national level, a blind or vision-impaired golfer must have scored 125 or less (B-1), 110 or less (B-2), or 100 or less (B-3) in three qualifying rounds of golf.

            "For someone like me, competing in a tournament like this is an opportunity to continue playing the game of golf," Plath said. "I am also honored to chair an exemplary event like this in my home state of Oregon. I enjoy the competition along with the ability to increase the awareness of a great thing, blind golf."            

          National tournament competitors and their coaches are Jim Baker (Kyle Seeley) of Hermitage, Tenn.; John Casolo (David Mouton) of Waterbury, Conn.; Ron Derry (Roger Turnbull) of Baltimore, Ohio; Jim Durand (Steve Jones) of Longview, Wash.; Harry Hester (Randy Nutt) of Austin, Texas; Phil Hubbard (Todd Gariepy) of Orange City, Fla.; Takeo Maruyama (Ellen Tajima) of Pearl City, Hawaii; David Meador (Everett Davis) of Nashville, Tenn.; Michael McKone (Ed Hewitt) of Warwick, R.I.; Bill McMahon (Kevin Sullivan) of Framingham, Mass.; Mike Mercado (Tim Bartlett) of Albany, New York; Ron Plath (Regi Christensen) of Lake Oswego, Ore.;  Jeremy Poincenot (Lionel Poincenot) of Carlsbad, Calif.; Dick Pomo (Steve Olson) of Green Valley, Arizona; Millard Reed (Jay Carter) of Reno, Nevada; Tony Schiros (Rich Gassner) of Odessa, Fla.; Mario Tobia (Matthew Tobia) of Mount Laurel, N.J.; Diane Wilson (Byron Wilson) of Seattle; and Scott Wilson (Vicky Wilson) of Ontario, Ore. 

            The competition will be stiff. Seven of this year's competitors placed in the top five in various categories of the 2012 National Championship in Oceanside, N.Y.  David Meador of Nashville earned first place in the B-1 (totally blind) division. Jim Baker of Hermitage placed second. 

            To make the tournaments possible, the organizing committee had to raise more than $40,000 from businesses, organizations and individuals. Tournament sponsors include the International Blind Golf Association and the Northwest Blind Golfers Association. The funds pay for green fees, lodging, and meals for 31 teams from across the nation and around the world. Competitors pay for their own transportation. 

            The United States Blind Golf Association was founded in 1953 by blind golfer and lawyer Bob Allman.  Today, the organization conducts three annual tournaments and holds more than a dozen clinics for blind and vision-impaired children through its junior blind golf program. The USBGA also has a Hall of Fame that honors legendary players and contributing organizations.

(Coach Everett Davis drives David Meador to the next hole.)

            "Yes, we're about golf, but what we're really about is demonstrating for adults and children alike that absolutely nothing's impossible through partnership," said former USBGA President David Meador.

            For more information about the USBGA National Championship tournament, call (615) 385-0784, send an email inquiry to davidmeador7@gmail.com, or visit http://www.USBlindGolf.com.

###

         

Nashville Blind Golfer David Meador Wins 'Ben Hogan Award'

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 2013) -- Nashville blind golfer David Meador has been named the winner of the prestigious "Ben Hogan Award", an honor given annually by the Golf Writers Association of America to an individual who has continued to be active despite a physical handicap or serious illness.

            Meador, the 2011 and 2012 United States Blind Golf Association National Champion, will receive a special trophy from golf writers during the association's annual awards dinner in Augusta, Ga., on April 10. The event will help kick off the 2013 Masters Tournament. Past "Ben Hogan Award" winners include well-known golfers such as Ken Venturi, Fuzzy Zoeller, Paul Azinger, Judy Rankin, and Tom Watson.

            The former USBGA president was only 18 when he lost his eyesight in an automobile accident on Christmas Eve in 1966. By Easter of the next year, the college freshman was playing golf again.

            "It was my father who got me back in the game," said Meador, who at age 64 still credits his father and the game of golf for a lifetime of opportunities to interact with great people. "This award now gives me the chance to bring attention to the game of golf and in particular how it can help someone overcome adversity."

            The blind Tennessee golfer, also a two-time cancer survivor with a history of complications and surgeries, relies on a simple but strong philosophy.

             "Like blind golf, pushing through troubles is never a solo accomplishment," added Meador, who has been married to his college sweetheart, Connie, for more than 41 years. "It's always a team game."

            Meador, a 39-year member of the USBGA, admits that he averages only six to eight rounds of golf a year. He still manages to break into the upper 90s on 18-hole courses.

            Meador credits his golf coach, Everett Davis of Nashville, for keeping him in the game. Davis has coached Meador since 1994, helping him win two consecutive USBGA National Championships and place in the top five in regional, national and international tournaments.

            "It's always a matter of teamwork," said fellow blind golfer and current USBGA President Jim Baker. "The coach physically sets the club face behind the ball and allows the blind golfer to feel a sense of balance and alignment. What comes next is a feeling of trust that lets the blind or vision-impaired golfer swing with confidence and athleticism."

            In addition to serving on the USBGA Board of Directors, Meador is an accomplished motivational speaker.  His autobiography, "Broken Eyes, Unbroken Spirit", shares memorable reflections on returning to life as a blind man, and being forced to learn incredible new ways of seeing along the way.

             Meador is the fifth USBGA member to win the "Ben Hogan Award". Others include Clint Russell (1957), Charlie Boswell (1959), Joe Lazaro (1970), and Pat Browne Jr. (1988).

            Founded in 1953, the USBGA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has sponsored an annual blind golf National Championship since 1946. It also stages two regional tournaments each year. The USBGA Junior Golf Program introduces blind and vision-impaired students and adults to blind golf through clinics and individual lessons. Many USBGA tournaments help raise much-needed funds for local charities.

            The USBGA is proud to state that 100 percent of all funds received are used to support USBGA junior golf clinics and programs, tournaments, and member recruitment. For more information about the USBGA, visit http://www.USBlindGolf.com . 

MCAU: Highlights for the Week of Oct. 1, 2012

Music City Arts Update


Providing resource information and exposure for artists of all kinds

_____________________________________

We proudly support Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Country Music Association (CMA), NARAS (The Recording Academy), SongU, Indie Connect, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, Film Nashville, Nashville Composers Association, Artists in Nashville, Arts Council of Williamson County, Positive Music Association, Nashville Artists Guild, TJBS, Nashville Songwriters Festival and other organizations who do so much for emerging and professional artists.

Do you have arts-related news?  Send it to us at info@MusicCityArtsUpdate.com .  We'll consider it for our regular monthly issue.

Read about breaking arts news and receive artist resource tips with photos at http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com .  You can also sign up there to receive breaking arts news via email.

(MCAU Copyright 2012 - All Rights Reserved)


Artist Resources, Career Growth and Opportunities...

WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASSES... Artist/instructor gail McDaniel's next round of watercolor painting classes will begin on Oct. 2 in Brentwood and Oct. 3 in Nashville.  Learn more: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/nashville-watercolor-painting-class-to.html 



(Photo: gail McDaniel)




NSAI OFFERS FREE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS...  If you've ever thought about trying out membership with NSAI, now's your chance... all for free!  http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/nsai-offers-free-membership-benefits.html






Benefits...

BENEFIT FOR MARYLEA JORDAN FAMILY... The "Co-Creators Coffeehouse" will stage a benefit concert for the Marylea Jordan Family Benevolence Fund on Oct. 5 (Friday).  Learn more: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/special-concert-on-oct-5-to-benefit.html


Congratulations to...

THE WANNABEATLES, who have released the new song and video, "Oh Betty! (The Betty White Song)". The project is being considered for a Grammy nomination in the Best Short Video, Best Song Written for Visual Media, and Best New Artist categories. Read the full story: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-wannabeatles-release-oh-betty-song.html


EARTH MAMA (JOYCE ROUSE), who has released the new CD "Blessings of the Universe". The project features 13 inspirational songs "for the foreground and background of your days."  The CD is being considered for a Grammy nomination (CCM Album: "Blessings of the Universe"). Learn more: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/grammy-consideration-earth-mamas.html


Health & Wellness...

EXHIBITION SPACE AVAILABLE AT UPCOMING HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO... Area companies and professionals who specialize in health, wellness and the environment can showcase their products and services to Middle Tennesseans on Nov. 3.  Learn more: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/exhibition-space-available-for-health.html


Music...

'TUNESMITHING' TO CELEBRATE NINTH ANNIVERSARY...  "Tunesmithing Off Music Row" will celebrate its ninth anniversary from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 3 (Wednesday) at the Best Western Music Row. More than 20 singer-songwriters will perform.  The event will help kick off the "Independent Music Fest".  Learn more: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/tunesmithing-ninth-anniversary-show-to.html 

(Photo: Lisa Aschmann)



'INDEPENDENT MUSIC FEST' TO OCCUR OCT. 5-7... More than 150 performing artists and songwriters from around the world will visit Nashville's Music Row from Oct. 5-7 (Friday-Sunday) for the "Independent Music Fest".  Learn more at http://www.IndependentMusicFest.com   


Read the full story about the "Independent Music Fest": http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/independent-music-fest-to-offer-one-on.html    

THE PRODUCER'S CHAIR TO CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY... Join James Rea and legendary producer Dann Huff at 6 p.m. Oct. 1 (Monday) at Douglas Corner for The Producer's Chair's seventh anniversary celebration.  Learn more: http://www.TheProducersChair.com . (JR)


Sports...

'JAW-DROPPING' FEATS... Four blind or partially blind members of the United States Blind Golf Association hit holes-in-one at various golfing events -- all in the same week!  Kevin Edwards, Ty Thompson, Ron Plath and Brian MacLeod are thrilled about their "jaw-dropping" feats.  Read the full story with photos: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/three-usbga-blind-golfers-hit-holes-in.html


Visual Art...

CONTINUING THIS WEEK! CAMILLE ENGEL'S SOLO EXHIBITION... Internationally awarded Nashville visual artist Camille Engel is exhibiting a large array of original contemporary realism oil paintings in a rare solo exhibition through Nov. 4 at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center in Clarksville, Tenn.  The Customs House is located at 200 S. Second St. in downtown Clarksville. See a remarkable collaboration between Camille and fellow visual artist edie Maney. Learn more about the exhibit: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/07/camille-engel-to-exhibit-realism-oil.html .  See photos from Camille's reception on Sept. 20: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/congratulations-to-camille-engel.html

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SEE THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OF MCAU WITH ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES, ARTS LISTINGS, PHOTOS AND ARTICLES... http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/mcau-music-city-arts-update.html .  Our next full issue (for October) is coming soon!

***

Music City Arts Update spotlights the accomplishments of artists and arts-related businesses and organizations of all kinds.  Basic mentions in the newsletter are free (based on time and space availability).  Customers of Whiting Publicity & Promotions receive major coverage.  Feel free to pass this on to others who might be interested.  See photos and longer stories at http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com . The newsletter is written and distributed by Chuck Whiting. Please note that all written materials in this newsletter are copyright 2012 -- used by permission only.  Thank you!

Three USBGA Blind Golfers Hit Holes-in-One During Same Week

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 2012) -- Three vision-impaired members of the United States Blind Golf Association have accomplished in seven days what most sighted golfers rarely experience in a lifetime -- hit a golf ball into the hole with only one stroke.

            The "jaw-dropping" holes-in-one occurred on various golf courses in Kentucky and Oregon during the period Sept. 10-16 by USBGA members Ty Thompson of Lexington, Ky.; Ron Plath of Portland (Lake Oswego), Oregon; and Kevin Edwards of Springville, Tenn.  

(Photo: Blind golfer Ron Plath)

            "Whether it's out West or down South, people say it's mostly luck," said USBGA President Jim Baker.  "But surely something greater is going on with these and other members of organized blind golf.  To see this happen to three fellow members within one week is simply amazing."

            Lexington's Ty Thompson, a golfer with little usable vision, hit his hole-in-one at the Peninsula Golf Resort in Lancaster, Ky., on Sept. 10.  Thompson's impaired vision now causes him to see the ball only as a peanut-shaped object.

            "I told my sighted coach and the rest of the foursome, 'Okay, I know you say it went in, but I'm not going to get excited until we get up to the green and verify it,'"  Thompson said with a laugh.  

            Sure enough, 145 yards later, Thompson's 9-iron shot sat comfortably in the hole.

            USBGA member and International Blind Golf Association representative Ron Plath of Portland struck his own good luck the following day.  Having been given alignment help by a member of his threesome, Plath hit his gap wedge to a short secondary green (one that is used only when the more distant carpet is under repair or being given a rest from regular play).  But being a short hole of only 85 yards at the Stone Creek course in Portland doesn't mean it's an easy one.

            "The green is nearly surrounded by water and offers no flat surface whatsoever," Plath noted. "Its extreme slope makes it almost impossible to keep the ball on the green from the tee."

            Seeing the ball roll slowly "side-hill" until it at last hit the pin and dropped, Plath's friends yelled out their joy and delight in unison.  Plath, who can barely see the ball at all over every shot, let alone the fairway, said in disbelief, "I thought they must be telling the truth," and they were.

            As if two blind golfer holes-in-one weren't already enough, a third "jaw-dropper" came just five days later at the USBGA Kentucky Bluegrass Regional at the Golf Course of the Blue Grass in Lexington.  While competing there, sight-impaired member Kevin Edwards of Springville, Tenn., capped off his first-day of play with an ace of his own.  It came at the eighth hole from 154 yards out.  

            "When I am addressing the ball, I see both the ball and the club," Edwards said.  "But once I swing, I never see the ball in the air.  As usual, my wife Anna lined me up to hit the center of the green.  The ball landed, and they said it rolled straight to the pin just like a putt.  After what seemed like forever, people started yelling and celebrating.  This was my second one to fall.  I had no idea I would ever be playing like this."  

            "We definitely believe something else besides luck is going on," said USBGA past president David Meador. "This shows that a blind or vision-impaired golfer can do anything if he or she gets involved with the game of golf.  The value of accomplishment and team spirit has no limits."

                The United States Blind Golf Association was founded in 1953 by blind golfer and lawyer Bob Allman. The organization, which is run by an elected board from its membership, sponsors two regional tournaments and a National Championship each year.  These tournaments offer the opportunity for very friendly, but very competitive golf for the members who compete for trophies and the thrill of achieving success in an activity they enjoy.  The goal is not only to play competitive golf with other blind and vision-impaired golfers, but also to encourage people with sight loss to participate with family and friends in "this crazy game we call golf." The USBGA also holds more than a dozen clinics for blind and vision-impaired children through its junior blind golf program.  Its Hall of Fame annually honors legendary players and contributing organizations.

            For more information about the USBGA, visit http://www.USBlindGolf.com.


(Photos: Blind golfers Kevin Edwards (top) and Ty Thompson)

Blind Golfers to Compete in USBGA National Championship

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2012) – Some 25 blind and visually impaired golfers will compete in the 67th annual United States Blind Golf Association National Championship in Oceanside, N.Y., on Long Island from  Aug. 6-7.

            Competitors will include USBGA President David Meador of Nashville and Jim Baker of Hermitage, Tenn.  Other golfers will come from as far away as California and Oregon to vie for the title of "best blind or visually impaired golfer in the nation." The USBGA National Championship tournament will occur from 7 a.m. to noon on Monday and 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Middle Bay Country Club, just 26 miles from New York City's Times Square.  Hall of Fame and tournament trophy presentations will occur at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7.  Members of the general public may observe the games at no charge.

            "Every place we go, people tell us they had no idea blind people could play golf," said Meador, who lost his eyesight in an automobile accident at age 18.  "Playing in the nation's largest city gives us the opportunity to educate the public about blindness issues and also show that anything is possible."

            Golfers will compete in categories ranging from totally blind (B-1) and little usable vision (B-2) to better usable vision (B-3).  Winners in those categories will receive trophies designating them as the best blind or vision-impaired golfers in the nation. To be eligible to compete on the national level, a blind golfer must have impaired vision worse than 20/200 and scored 125 or less (B-1), 110 or less (B-2) or 100 or less (B-3) in three qualified rounds of golf.

            All 25 U.S. competitors will be accompanied by coaches who "act as their eyes".  The coaches meet their blind partners for breakfast, drive them to the golf course, manage their equipment, develop game-playing strategies, and provide directional advice for each hole.  The golfers do all of the swinging, putting, slicing, blocking and birdying.  Several USBGA golfers, including competitor Sheila Drummond of Lehighton, Pa., have hit holes-in-one.  Drummond was the first blind female player to accomplish that feat.

            "For someone like me, playing in a tournament like this is an opportunity to connect with the game of golf," said tournament organizer and USBGA member Ted Fass, who lost his sight at the age of 11.  "I am honored to chair the championship as I enjoy the competition along with the ability to increase the awareness of blind golf."

            National tournament competitors and their coaches are Michael McKone (Ed Hewitt) of Warwick, R.I.; John Casolo (David Mouton) of Waterbury, Conn.; Scott Wilson (Vicky Wilson) of Ontario, Ore.; Takeo Maruyama (Ellen Tajima) of Pearl City, Hawaii; Ron Derry (Jerry Rank) of Baltimore, Ohio;  Brad Eaton (David Schuttner) of Harwich, Mass.; Bill McMahon (Kevin Sullivan) of Framingham, Mass.; Jeremy Poincenot (Lionel Poincenot) of Carlsbad, Calif.; David Meador (Everett Davis) of Nashville, Tenn.; Ted Fass (David Santucci) of Rockville Center, N.Y.; Mario Tobia (Michael Tobia) of Mt. Laurel, N.J.; Tony Schiros (Bobby Capobianco) of Odessa, Fla.;  George Pilz (Mark Batty) of King of Prussia, Pa.; Sheila Drummond (Keith Drummond) of Lehighton, Pa.; David Wall (Lloyd Dressler) of Wymark, Saskatchewan, Canada; Jim Baker (Rob Lent) of Hermitage, Tenn.; Bob Andrews (Joe McCourt) of Tallahassee, Fla.; Geoff Bull (Walter Calhoun) of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Greg Hooper (Alan Hooper) of Powder Springs, Ga.; Harry Hester (Randy Nutt) of Austin, Texas; Millard Reed (Jay Carter) of Reno, Nevada; Ty Thompson (Paris Sterrett) of Lexington, Ky.; Dick Pomo (Gary Pomo) of Green Valley, Arizona; Mike Mercado (Tim Bartlett) of Albany, New York; and Bill Pease (Neil Pease) of Charlottesville, Va.

             The competition will be stiff.  Four of this year's national tournament competitors placed in the top five in various categories of the 2012 World Blind Golf Championships in Truro, Nova Scotia. Jim Baker and David Meador placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the B-1 Men's Gross category. Baker also placed second in the B-1 Men's Net category.  Defending world net champion Jeremy Poincenot placed second in the B-2 Men's Gross category.  Scott Wilson took third place in the B-3 Men's Gross category and second place in the B-3 Men's Net category.

            To make the national tournament possible, the organizing committee had to raise more than $40,000 from businesses, organizations and individuals.  Company tournament sponsors include The Gilbert Co., The Mineola Lions Club, and Creative Staffing.  The funds pay for green fees, lodging, and meals for 50 golfers and coaches from across the nation. Competitors pay for their own transportation.  

                The United States Blind Golf Association was founded in 1953 by blind golfer and lawyer Bob Allman.  Today, the organization conducts three annual tournaments and holds more than a dozen clinics for blind and vision-impaired children through its junior blind golf program.  The USBGA also has a Hall of Fame that honors legendary players and contributing organizations.

            "Yes, we're about golf, but what we're really about is demonstrating for adults and children alike that absolutely nothing's impossible through partnership," Meador added.

            For more information about the USBGA National Championship tournament, call (615) 385-0784, send an email inquiry to davidmeador7@gmail.com, or visit http://www.USBlindGolf.com. 

USBGA Selects Eight Blind Golfers to Compete in World Championships

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2012) – The Nashville, Tenn.-based United States Blind Golf Association has selected eight blind and/or vision-impaired golfers to compete in the biennial World Blind Golf Championships from July 16-17 in Truro, Nova Scotia.

            The U.S. team, which includes USBGA President David Meador of Nashville and Jim Baker of Hermitage, Tenn., will face off against 46 other blind or partially blind golfers representing Australia, Austria, Canada, England & Wales, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, and South Korea.  The World Blind Golf Championships will occur from 8 a.m-1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Truro Golf Club.  Tournament trophies will be presented at 7 p.m. July 17. Members of the general public may observe the games at no charge.

(Photo: David Meador (right) works with golf coach Everett Davis.)

            "Every place we go, people tell us they had no idea blind people could play golf," said Meador, who lost his eyesight in an automobile accident at age 18.  "Playing on the international stage gives us the opportunity to educate the public about blindness issues and also show that anything is possible."


***See the story broadcast by WSMV-TV Channel 4: http://www.wsmv.com/video?clipId=7482732&topVideoCatNo=221168&autoStart=true

            To be eligible to compete on the international level, a blind golfer must have played in seven sanctioned rounds of golf and have impaired vision worse than 20/200. Golfers will compete in categories ranging from totally blind (B-1) and little usable vision (B-2) to better usable vision (B-3).  Winners in those categories will receive trophies designating them as the best blind or vision-impaired golfers in the world.

            All eight U.S. competitors will be accompanied by coaches who "act as their eyes".  The coaches meet their blind partners for breakfast, drive them to the golf course, manage their equipment, develop game-playing strategies, and provide directional advice for each hole.  The golfers do all of the swinging, putting, slicing, blocking and birdying.  Several USBGA golfers have hit a hole in one.

            "For someone like me, playing in a tournament like this is an opportunity to re-connect with the game of golf," said Brian MacLeod, an IBGA board member and Canadian competitor who lost his eyesight following a hockey-related injury at age 29.  "We totally depend on our coaches to strategize and manage the course.  When you lose, your coach feels the heartache, too.  When you win, he or she is ecstatic. Golf is the ultimate team sport."

            Members of the U.S. team are Jim Baker (with coach Kyle Seeley) of Nashville, Tenn.; Harry Hester (with coach Randy Nutt) of Austin, Texas; David Meador (with temporary Canada-based coach Gerald Buott) of Nashville; Ron Plath (with coach Chuck St. Clair) of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Jeremy Poincenot (with coach Lionel Poincenot) of Carlsbad, Calif.; Ty Thompson (with coach Richard Barnhisel) of Lexington, Ky.; Diane Wilson (with coach Byron Wilson) of Port Ludlow, Wash.; and Scott Wilson (with coach Vicky Wilson) of Ontario, Oregon.

            "We're delighted to have Jeremy Poincenot on the U.S. team," Meador added.  "He earned the best overall net score in the world in the year 2010. We would love to see that happen again, but the competition is always very stiff."

            Some members of the U.S. team will practice for the World Championships by competing in the Canadian Blind Golf Open Championship at the Mountain Golf Club near Truro, Nova Scotia, from July 11-13.

            To make the world games possible, the organizing committee had to raise more than $180,000 from businesses, organizations and individuals.  Tournament sponsors include Lions Clubs of Nova Scotia, radio station 109.9-FM Big Dog, the municipality of Colchester, Best Western, WestJet, Aggregate Equipment, and the town of Truro.  The funds pay for green fees, lodging, and meals for almost 100 golfers and coaches from around the world.  Competitors pay for their own transportation.

                The United States Blind Golf Association was founded in 1953 by blind golfer and lawyer Bob Allman.  The organization today conducts three tournaments annually and holds more than a dozen clinics for blind and vision-impaired children through its junior blind golf program.  The USBGA also has a Hall of Fame that honors legendary players and contributing organizations.  The association's 67th annual USBGA National Championship will occur from Aug. 6-7 at the Middle Bay Country Club in Long Island, N.Y.

            "Yes, we're about golf, but what we're really about is demonstrating for adults and children alike that absolutely nothing's impossible through partnership," Meador added.

            The International Blind Golf Association was organized and funded by Japanese entrepreneur Dr. Hirahusa Handa in 1998, with the USBGA being one of seven founding members.  The IBGA is made up of 13 member countries and five associates. Its biennial World Blind Golf Championships rotate from country to country, with the United States being a possible host in 2014.  To see a video of IBGA members competing in the championships, visit http://www.internationalblindgolf.com/about/video.

            For more information about the World Blind Golf Championships, call (902) 895-7476 or visit http://www.InternationalBlindGolf.com or http://nova.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/nova12/event/nova1214/index.htm. To learn more about joining or supporting the United States Blind Golf Association, call (615) 385-0784, send an email inquiry to davidmeador7@gmail.com, or visit http://www.USBlindGolf.com.