Fort Moore | 2011 Fun in Columbus, GA!

Friday, July 29, 2011

2011 International Blind Golf Championship in Columbus, GA

Golf is a sport enjoyed by everyone regardless of age, gender, physical condition or physical challenge. It's a great way to enjoy nature, friendship & exercise while providing an opportunity for personal challenge & growth. There is no reason why the sport should not be enjoyed by everyone, & that includes people with limited or no vision. While we think of golf as an activity requiring eyesight, that's not necessarily the case. The game is enjoyed by thousands throughout the world who have someone else be their eyes.

The International Blind Golf Association is the governing & sanctioning body of blind golf events world wide. The IBGA is dedicated to promoting the sport, and assisting blind golfers enjoy golf. The IBGA was formed in 1998 with the United States Blind Golf Association one of the founding members.

The organization now has 13 member countries around the world. The sport can be traced back to 1924. Clint Russell of Duluth, Minnesota lost his sight when a tire exploded in his face. In 1925, he began playing blind golf. Clint slowly reduced his scores and by early 1930 had shot an 84 for 18 holes.

Columbus, GA is lucky to have so many notable and accomplished golfers here for this event. Take just a moment to meet some of them and learn a little about their lives.

David Charles Hughes Blyth

Chairman of the International Blind Golf Association

David was born in a small town towards the middle of Australia in 1934.David was Blinded in an accident with a Land Mine when he was 14 years of age. This was war surplus, which he found near Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia. After many months of hospital he went to work in Brisbane. David soon became an advocate for Blind and Vision Impaired Persons. After many positions on small self help organization he moved to Melbourne, Victoria. He soon established himself as a strong advocate and set up the first National Organization of Blind and Vision Impaired Persons in Australia in 1975. The organization, National Federation of Blind Citizens, (NFBC) soon became the major force for change for Blind persons in Australia. In 1984 David was elected to the International Blind Federation and was one of the Constitution committee which established the World Blind Union(WBU).David served for 8 years as chairman of the East Asia region of WBU. HE was elected as President of WBU in 1992 and served his 4 year term with distinction. At the 2000 WBU General Assembly he was awarded, as one of the first two ever given, the Louis Braille Medal. WBU has only awarded 4 Louis Braille medals in it’s history. At the same General Assembly he was given Life Membership of WBU. David joined Lions Clubs International in 1970.He held most club positions along with District Offices, and was awarded the star award for his work in Save Sight projects. He served as a District Governor in 1979 / 1980.David chaired the steering committee to establish the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA). He chaired the meeting in Florida that established the IBGA. He was Secretary/Treasurer from 2000 to 2004 and was elected chairman of IBGA in 2004 to present time. David was the inaugural President of Blind Golf Australia. He served in this position from the beginning in 1992 till 2010. He is presently a director of Blind Sports Australia. David has held the Australian B1 Championship title for the last 7years. He also holds most of the State titles in Australia. He won outright the New South Wales Blind Golf Open in 2009. David won the B1 net Canadian Open title in 2008. He won the B1 titles at the 2008 and 2009 Nova Scotia Opens. Bob Cunningham is David Coach when he travels to North America and last year in Italy. Bob met David when he visited Nova Scotia in 2006 and they have developed a strong friendship ever since. Bob lives in Anti Gosh, Nova Scotia.

David Meador

Nashville, TN

Motivational Speaker, Author and Former National Champion

David is a B1 (totally blind) golfer, having lost his sight in an automobile accident at age 18. He went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University and Loyola University of Chicago and later worked 20 years as a successful sales representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

David and his bride, Connie, are this year celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, and live in Nashville, Tennessee. They have two daughters and two grandchildren. After retiring from Northwestern Mutual in 2002, David began a natural followup career in motivational speaking. A two-time cancer survivor, David has since written and published his 2010 autobiography, Broken Eyes, Unbroken Spirit– available from www.amazon.com or personalized, from www.davidmeador.com.

In 1977, David won the United States Blind Golf Association National Championship at the world famous Firestone Country Club. He jokes that in the 30-plus years that followed, he "kindly allowed others to have the lime-light," finishing second to Pat Browne and others more times than he would care to count!

David's long-time eyes on the golf course, Everett Davis, is happily retired after a long career in banking. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Judy, playing golf and volunteering his time and talents serving his church and other causes. He and Judy are likewise celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary, their 50th!

Neil Baxter

North Weald, England

Member of England And Wales Blind Golf since 1989. Winner of the order of merit in 1995 and 2001.Third in the overall net in the World championships in 2000. Regular member of the England team. Secretary from 2002 to 2008. Director of I.B.G.A. since 2002 and Vice Chairman/Administration since 2004.

Guided by wife, Clara , herself a keen golfer.

George Pilz

King of Prussia, PA USA

George Pilz, who is totally blind, is an Air Force veteran and avid sportsman who loves the challenge of playing a good game of golf. Pilz was a lineman for Philadelphia Electric before injuries from a car accident took his sight at age 22. He was introduced to golf as a VA rehab patient in Hynes, Illinois in the early 1960s.

Pilz put golf on hold to run his own woodworking business. That was followed by a 26-year career with AT&T. In 1984, he was one of the runners who carried the Olympic Torch up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. When AT&T closed, Pilzopened his own business providing adaptive technology services for the blind.

Now retired, Pilz golfs several days a week with his buddies in the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association. In 2008, Pilzwon first place in the Senior Division at the USBGA National Championship held in Tunica, Mississippi.

Sheila Drummond
Lehighton, Pennsylvania USA

Sheila was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 8 and lost her sight from complications of the disease in 1981. She was employed as an X-ray Technician before losing her sight and worked at a large trauma center in Allentown, PA.

Sheila never played golf as a sighted person but started playing 10 years after going totally blind. She took some lessons from a local Pro and 3 years later qualified to join the United States Blind Golf Association and was the first female member.

Sheila have served on the USBGA Board of Directors for 10 years and currently serves as President.

Sheila had a hole in one on August 19, 2007 and was the first totally blind female to ever score an Ace. Keith and Sheila appeared on Good Morning America.

Keith Drummond is Sheila’s Husband and coach. They are members of a local country club where theytry to play golf several times a week. Keith is employed as a Supervisor at LAMTEC Corporation. They have been married for 20 years.

Mario Tobia

Mt. Laurel, New Jersey USA

Mario Tobiais 55 years old and lives in Mt. Laurel, NJ with his wife Ann. He has two boys, his oldest son, Matthew, is a full-time student at Fordham University and is pursuing his MBA in Finance. His younger son, Michael, is a senior at Seton Hall University and is getting his undergraduate degree in Information Technology Management.

Mr. Tobiagraduated LaSalle University and obtained his degree in Marketing with a minor in Computer Science. He then worked as a Computer Consultant and managed a staff of 30 people performing various functions for a major Publishing company in their Information Technology department. He continued with that company until his vision deteriorated to the point where it became too difficult to perform his job duties. He now works part time for the Philadelphia VA and the NJ Commission for the Blind as a Training Consultant, instructing visually impaired individuals on using the computer with the aid of adaptive technology.

Mario began playing golf at the age of 30 years old and had already lost enough of his sight that he could no longer follow the ball in flight. At the age of 40, he gave up golf due to his eye condition. It was not until five years later did he pick up the sport again when he discovered the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association. In 2007, Mr. Tobiacompeted in his first National Blind tournament with the United States Blind Golf Association and was hooked on playing competitive golf. Along with his son, Matthew as his swing coach, Mr. Tobiadropped 10 strokes off his handicap and in 2010; Mr. Tobiatook third place in the USBGA National Championship in the totally blind division and one month later, won the American Blind Golf National Championship in the B1 division. In June of 2011, Mario took 2ndplace honour at the Guiding Eye Classic Golf Tournament in Mt. Kisco, NY. This event is considered the Masters of Blind Golf.

This year, Mario is looking to continue to improve his golf and repeat as national champion and play in the world championship in 2012 held in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Ty Thompson

Lexington, Kentucky USA

Ty has won several USBGA Regional golf tourneys in the B2 division. Past US National B2 champion and past Net National Champion. Lost vision due to PXE. Past jobs include IBM/Lexmark and National Sales Manager.

Jan Dinsdale

County Down, N. Ireland

Jan Dinsdaleand her guide, David McVeigh are delighted to come back to the U.S.. They look forward to meeting up with old friends and maybe making some new ones!

Jan is a member of Blackwood Ladies Golf Club, County Down where she enjoys playing golf with her sighted peers. Her most proud achievement was winning a monthly medal last year.

Takeo Maruyama

Pearl City, HI USA

Began to play as a caddie at 14. Lowest handicap; 11 in 40s (age). Broke 80 6 times during this period. Handicap ballooned from 18 to 26 in last 15 years as vision got worst. Currently plays only once/week. No nat'l or int'l experience. Membership connection: Just got accepted to USBGA last year. Was not eligible for Int'l Tournament in England.

This is first chance to participate in Nat'ls this August at Columbus, GA. Heard about USBGA through my niece who lives in Lompoc where a satellite, non USBDA sanctioned tournament is held each October.

Details on Coach; Michael, his son and eldest of four children. Michael plays golf only a couple of times/year. Has broken 100 and got close to breaking 90 once or twice. Hansen's Disease Branch Chief in HI State Dept of Health and 53 years old.

From early days (8th grade) Takeo could not pass the eye exam so he memorized it until his junior year in High School when he could no longer get by. Finally he got corrective glasses at that time. Takeo’s eyes were already not correctible to 20/20, only 20/30. Eyes deteriorated to the point he could not pass the eye exam for the drivers' test, 13 years ago. He has not driven a car since 1998, In the early days optometrists always called over co-workers to look at his paled nerve endings. No diagnosis so far. His nerves are atrophying as in glaucoma and Liebers Optical Neuropathy. The test turned out negative for the latter but being treated for low pressure glaucoma with zalatan. Takeo got a waiver to enter the Air Force.

Jobs: He worked as a meteorologist in the USAF and retired after 20 years service at rank of Lt. Col, Spent 7 years as a stock broker with Paine Webber after retirement from the Air Force and 13 years as a stock portfolio manager in the Trust Dept of Bank of Hawaii. Takeo has been completely retired for the last 16 years.

Derrick Sheridan MBE

Berkshire, England

Blind Golf History : Derrick became involved in Blind Golf in 1989 after hearing about it on the radio. He was the first President of the IBGA from 1998 to 2004 and is currently Chairman of England & Wales Blind Golf (EWBG) and a Director of IBGA. He has won many EWBG events including their Matchplay Championship on three occasions. His best finish internationally was runner up in the British Open in 1991 and he has represented England several times against Scotland and the USA.

Derrick’s guide is his wife Matt who is also a golfer.

Golf outside EWBG : Before joining EWBG Derrick and his wife had identified golf as a sport they could play together. They joined a golf club and on one occasion he won the men’s monthly medal competing against over 100 fully sighted golfers, a success of which he is still very proud. After relocating to Berkshire he became a committee member at his new club.

Personal Background : Derrick is a 67 year old Welshman who has lived in England for the past 44 years. He lost his eyesight at the age of 10 and attended a Blind School from the age of 14 where he received training as a shorthand typist. He retired 15 years ago after 33 years in government service. He started his career as a shorthand typist and moved on to jobs such as a Senior Industrial Relations Officer, Personnel Manager and finally as Manager of a group of offices helping unemployed people to find work and paying social security benefits. He made a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1990 for his services to the Employment Service and received his honour from the Queen at Buckingham Palace. His wife and guide, Matt, was made an Officer of the Order in 1998.

Geoffrey Bull

Kalamazoo, Michigan USA

Geoffrey Bull is totally blind, is 76 years old, and was born in England. He moved to the States 30 years ago, and now spends six months in Florida and six months in Michigan. Geoff has been playing golf for ten years – he has yet to feature prominently in any USBGA tournament. He is retired; his employment career included physical therapy, computer programmer, data processing manager, and Company president. He is in his second marriage of eighteen years. Walter Calhoun is 64 years old, was born in Colorado, and moved to Michigan 40 years ago. Walt has helped Geoff on the golf course over the past three years; this will be Walt’s second tournament as Geoff’s "coach". Walt served as a Marine in Vietnam. His professional career was as a cartographer.

John Casolo
Waterbury, Connecticut USA

At 18 months old, John lost the sight in his right eye via an accident. Growing up he played all the sports, but never really got hooked on golf until 1965. Between 1965, and June 1968,Around the end of June 1968, his left eye began hemorrhaging severely causing complete blindness which lasted until early 1970. From 1970 to 1978 his sight gradually improved to 20 over 200. In 1979 the retina began to deteriorate and in March of 84 the retina tore and left him sightless. In November of 1987, he obtained his first guide dog, which turned his life around. In March of 1988, John began down hill skiing as a totally blind skier. Presently, he’s a black diamond skier. In 1989 he enrolled in a local college and completed a computer course and a refresher course in typing. In January 1990, because of his computer skills, he was elected treasure of the Greater Waterbury Chapter of the NFB, A position he held for the next seven years.

In 1993, John heard that blind people were playing golf, and he figured if they could do it, so could he. What he didn’t realize was that playing the game wasn’t the hardest part, but finding a good coach was. Because of this, he played very little golf for the next 4 years.

In the spring of 1997 John attended a blind golf demonstration presented by Bill McMahon, which sparked his interest in USBGA. Later, in June of that year, Bob Andrews, then president of the USBGA, invited him to be his guest at the Guiding eyes tournament and play the first 9 holes of his practice round with him. Not only was this quite an honor, but it cemented him in to the USBGA. John only missed 3 national events in the past 13 years, primarily due to the lack of a coach. This has always been his major problem. John has a few dedicated coaches for home course play, but none that can take time off or afford to travel. John won his only first place trophy at the Wisconsin Regional in 2005, with his son as coach. Two years ago John was once again in need of a coach to play in the National championship in San Antonio. Harry Hester, a B3 vision impaired golfer, called John. Harry knew of his dilemma and informed him that his very good friend, David Mouton, his former coach/golfing buddy was willing to coach John, if he was interested. Needless to say, John jumped at the opportunity. Dave and John hit it off just great. Dave has been a God send. They played in 3 tournaments in 2010 and have already signed up to play in 4 this year, and possibly one more if they can find a sponsor. At the young age of 79, John says he couldn’t be happier. He has a great coach and is playing better golf now, than he ever played when he had sight.

MILLARD G. REED

Reno, Nevada USA

BEGAN PLAYING GOLF AT AGE 16. HOWEVER, TENNIS WAS HIS SPORT OF CHOICE. PLAYED ON AN IRREGULAR BASIS UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF HIS SIGHT LOSS IN 1996. FINALLY TOOK LESSONS AND PLAYED AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. MILLARDWAS ABLE TO GET HISHANDICAP DOWN TO 22 BEFORE SIGHT LOSS TO LEGALLY BLIND. HE HAS PLAYED IN THE VETERANS TEE TOURNAMENT, 2, PLAYED IN THE VETERANS GOLDEN AGE GAMES IMPAIRED VISION CATEGORY AND WON GOLD IN 2010 & 2011, 75-79 AGE GROUP. HE HAS PLAYED IN TWO USBGA SPONSORED EVENTS; US NATIONALS, SEP. 2010; TUCSON, REGIONAL, APR 2011.

David Wall

Wymark, SASK Canada

David Wall is a sports enthusiast. When he was sighted, he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball as well as competing in track and field. When David lost his sight, he became interested in golf. Over the years, golf became a lifestyle, and David has the winning record to prove it. He is a six time Western Blind Golf titlist, and he has won the Provincial tournament eight times. David was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall Of Fame for his achievements in blind sports. David is a family man with two children and five grandchildren; they all share his love of athletics. He received his bachelor’s degree in administration in 1978 and currently operates a lake resort. Educator Lloyd Dressler is David’s longtime coach and friend. The team has worked together in ten international tournaments, one Canadian championship, and two WBGA wins. Lloyd is also an accomplished curler.

John White

South Perth, Western Australia

John has been a member of the Western Australian Blind Golf Association for 7 years and played each week with the

Westerners Blind Golf Club. He is coached by Mr. Brad Logan, Professional at Royal Perth Golf Club in Perth, where John

has been a member for 46 years, and continues to play in their weekly competition.

Brad Eaton

Harwich, Massachusetts USA

Brad began playing golf in 1973 while working as a greens keeper for the local golf course. He continued playing until 1978 when he enlisted in the US Coast Guard. 1981 he was diagnosed with RP. He did not play again until 1987 when he learned about a veterans group from NJ that sponsored a blind golf tournament. It was at that time that he met Dr. Dennis Wyantt( blinded veteran), who informed him of the USBGA. Over the years Brad played tournaments in Japan, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Canada and the United States. This year he is coached by Linda Smith, a Lions Club member from Talladega, Alabama.

Diane Wilson

Seattle, Washington USA

Diane is part of a golfing family so most of their vacations have included at least one round of golf. Her brother, Ron Plath, has been a member of the USBGA since 2003 and has taught Diane everything. She knows about blind golf. Living in Alaska for 30 years limited her playing time so now she am ready to go. Diane and husband/coach are retiring after 43 years of teaching so now they can devote their time to golf. Prior to 2011 she competed in the US Open in San Antonio in 2009 and in the Nova Scotia Open in 2010. She hopes to do much better this year and play in many more tournaments

Richard (Dick) Pomo

Green Valley, Arizona USA

Dick became a member of the United States Blind Golf Association in 2002. Prior to him joining USBGA he had some limited vision and had played golf with sighted friends. After loosing his remaining vision, he discovered USBGA and joined in 2002. For a number of years he served on the board of directors and held the position of Vice President.

Dick says he has been fortunate enough to have participated in every national tournament since joining USBGA and has had the opportunity to participate in a number of regional tournaments. He has hosted several regional tournaments while living in Wisconsin and in April of this year, he and his wife Sharon coordinated a regional tournament in Tucson Arizona.

Several years ago he had the opportunity to participate in a tournament in Japan with his wife Sharon as my coach. While his golf left much to be desired, it was wonderful meeting and sharing experiences with folks from various parts of the world.

As a legally blind child, he attended the Oak Hill School for the Blind in Hartford Connecticut. After receiving a bachelors degree and a subsequent masters degree in social work, he eventually moved to Wisconsin where he lived for 40 years before retiring to Arizona. His professional career was spent in the human services field with his last position serving as the director of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind.

Dick was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time both in Wisconsin and Washington D.C. working along side of other folks with disabilities to get the American’s With Disabilities Act, ADA, passed.

“Golf to me has always reflected a philosophy that most individuals with disabilities embrace. This philosophy is reflected both in ADA and the spirit of blind golf. You do not change the rules of the game because of a disability, you simply allow for a few reasonable accommodations.”

Pat Browne III

New Orleans, Louisiana USA

Pat attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. A captain of the basketball team and two-year letterman in baseball, Pat received numerous accolades while at Jesuit, including All-State honors and election to the American Legion All Star Team, where he hit a league-leading batting average of .484. After graduating in 1950, Pat continued his athletic success at Tulane University, where he lettered three times in both golf and basketball and was named Captain of each team for two years. During his senior year, Pat set the single-game scoring record for Tulane Basketball. Upon receiving his Law Degree from Tulane in 1956, he practiced law for eighteen years in New Orleans, before becoming President and C.E.O of Hibernia Homestead Bank, an office he held for thirty years. He is presently the Chairman of the Board.

In 1966, Pat lost his sight and sustained multiple injuries as a result of an automobile accident. After a long recovery process he was introduced to the idea of blind golf by his close friend, Henry Sarpy. A 2-handicap prior to his accident, Pat’s return to golf proved to be a difficult transition, but after a few years of struggles, he eventually won his first USBGA National Championship with Henry as his coach in 1975. Thereafter, beginning in 1978, Pat and his coach, Gerry Barousse, won the USBGA National Championship 20 consecutive years. On two other occasions, Pat won the USBGA National Championship, one of which was with David Clark as his coach, and, most recently in 2005, with his son Patrick at his side.

At the Ken Venturi Guiding Eyes Golf Classic, which has been referred to as the “Masters of Blind Golf” due to its invitational nature, Pat and multiple coaches have been the champion 18 times, 16 years consecutively. The most recent of these victories took place in 2007, with his son Patrick as his coach. In his blind golf career, Pat, through the aid of many dear coaches, has 65 blind golf victories around the world. Pat recorded the lowest four consecutive rounds ever by a blind golfer, shooting rounds of 75, 74, 79, 75 at Mission Hills Golf Club in Palm Springs, California. He and Gerry Barousse shot 85 at St. Andrews and 80 at Pinehurst, as well as recording the lowest ever nine holes of competitive blind golf, shooting an even par 36 on the back nine of the USBGA National Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In 1990, Pat and Gerry played a 9 hole exhibition match with two-time U.S. Open Champion, Payne Stewart, in which Payne blindfolded himself for the entire match and played with the aid of a coach. Payne shot 62 and Pat and Gerry managed to shoot 42. Pat has been elected to the Tulane University Athletic Hall of Fame, the Sugar Bowl Athletic Hall of Fame and the Louisiana State Sports Hall of Fame. In 1988, the United States Golf Writers Association presented Pat with the Ben Hogan Award in Augusta, Georgia during the Masters. This award is presented to a golfer who has overcome great adversity. In 2007, New York Metropolitan Golf Writers Association presented Pat with the Mary Bea Porter Award, which “recognizes an individual in golf who, through a heroic or humanitarian act, saves or betters the lives of others.”

Pat is father to three daughters and one son, and has eight grandchildren. He lives in New Orleans with his wife, Sherry.

Greg Hooper

Powder Springs, Georgia USA

First year in USBGA! Greg has played golf for 40 years. He became visually impaired 16 years ago due to complications from PXE. Currently retired volunteering at the local High school.

Ron Murner

Wellington, Ohio USA

Even though Ron had vision problems since a young man, he was able to work as a carpenter and construction superintendent in northeastern Ohio. When his vision worsened in 1988, (he lost all vision in one eye and the other became severely impaired) he was no longer able to drive or do his job. In 1999 he lost his remaining vision due to a severe infection in the eye. Ron played golf for many years and he still wanted to play. He became involved with the Cleveland Sight Center golfers, thanks to help from Walter Dietz, another blind golfer. Since Ron joined the USBGA in 2000, he has played in over 35 tournaments across the U.S. and in Canada. His highlights so far are being repeatedly invited to the Guiding Eyes Tournament in Mt. Kisco, New York and winning low net in a regional in Florida in 2003. He won the Boswell Trophy (low net in the B 1, or totally blind division) at the USBGA 2007 and 2010 National Tournaments in Philadelphia, PA. In 2009 he was the Modified Stableford Grand Champion in the Dennis McCulloch Memorial Tournament in Ohio.Ron has many friends who coach him, but his wife Pat accompanies him and coaches him in most tournaments. Through blind golf Ron and Pat have met and become friends with so many wonderful people. It has truly been a blessing in their lives.

Barry Bonnell

Meadville, Pennsylvania USA

Barry was born and raised in New England, primarily Boston. He owned a commercial art business in Boston until he was about 30 years old, and then moved to Arizona. He went back to school to complete a PhD in cell and molecular biology at Arizona State University. It was during the course of his studies that his eye problems were finally diagnosed as some form of macular degeneration, later to be specified as Stargardt's Disease. He completed his post-doc at University of California, Davis; then taught at University of Pittsburgh-Titusville and Westminster College.

Barry was made aware of blind golfers through the Erie, PA, Center for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, and served as President of the Northwest PA Blind Golfers Association for 3 years. He has played in Blind and Visually Impaired Tournaments since 2003, starting with the "Keep Your Eye on the Ball Tournament" in Erie, PA, USA. He has played in IBGA tournaments in Nova Scotia, Canadian tournaments in Ontario, USBGA tournaments in Portland, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and the Heather Farr Tournament in Arizona. His memorable win was over Charlie Adams in 2009 at the Dennis McCullough Memorial Tournament in Ohio.

Phil Hubbard

Orange City , Florida USA

Golf History:

Todd has been a member of the USBGA since 2004. He has participated in many tournaments since then. From his first tournament in Raleigh , North Carolina in 2004, he has participated in many regional tournaments in Fort Wayne Indiana , Scottsdale Arizona , Philadelphia Pennsylvania , and Valders Wisconsin . Phil has played in several national championships, Ft. Lauderdale Florida 2004, Raleigh North Carolina in 2005, Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 2007 mad 2010 and Tunica Mississippi.

Membership:

United States Blind Golf Association

Board Member

Coaches Information:

Todd Gariepy

Todd and Phil have been playing golf together since 2000. He has been the only coach that Phil has had. He is a husband and a father to 3 boys ages 13, 5, and 8 months.

Zohar Sharon

Afeka, Tel-Aviv Israel

Sharon Zohar, aged 57, is married and father of two children. He has an Arts degree from the AVNI Institute and is also a physiotherapist.

Zohar served as a sniper in the paratrooper unit and lost his sight during his service at the age of 26.

Despite the fact that he lost his eyesight 29 years ago, Sharon has developed a remarkable ability on the greens of fairways of local courses. He took up the sport four years ago. Initially, it took him almost three months just to hit the ball. Once he made contact, he continued practicing until he reached his actual level- he can now complete a full 18 hole.

In July 2005 Sharon won the Caesarea Golf Club's Level Three Tournament for individual players and a month later, together with sighted golfer Asher Siso, he came in the first place in the Level three Israeli pairs championship. In both competitions Sharon beat a large group of non-disabled golfers.

He also took part at the World Blind Championships tournaments in September 2006, 2008 and 2010 in Scotland and won the first place. In 2007 and 2008 he also won the first place in his category - B1 - at the Blind Golf British Open Championships in York, UK.

Paul Wiese

Lexington, Kentucky USA

Paula Wiese

Played in three USBGA regional tournaments in the past three years.

Member of USBGA for three years.

Spouse for 46 years. First year coaching.

Michael McKone

Warwick, Rhode Island USA

Michael began playing at age 10. Played on the Bishop Hendricken High School Golf Team.

Played college golf at Providence College

2^nd Place finish in the 2010 USBGA Championship

Affiliation: USBGA member since 2010

Robert Curtin

Adelaide, South Australia

Robert started playing Golf just over 15 years ago. He has competed in almost all of our state Opens in that time.

Robert also played in the World Championship at Rosebud, Victoria, and the Japan Open in 2009.

He won the net B3 in the New south wale Open in 2009, and the net B3 in the West Australian Open in 2010.

This year, he will be competing in the British Open, The Canadian Open, and the US Open.

Wife Yvonne, 4 Children, and 10 Grandchildren, 2 of whom live with them (Girl 9 & Boy 8)

Scott Wilson

Ontario, Oregon USA

Scott has participated in Blind and Visually Impaired golf for three years. In that time he has competed in the United States National Championship, IBGA World Championships (England), and several regional events in the United States and Canada. Scott is a member of the USBGA. His coach is also his wife, Vicki. She travels with and coaches in events outside of their local area

William H. McMahon, IV

Framingham, Massachusetts USA

Bill began playing golf as a totally blind person in 1985. He made the qualifying scores in 1986 and competed in his first USBGA tournament at the Ken Venturi Guiding Eyes Classic in June of 1986. Bill and his coach, Kevin Sullivan, began working together in 1991 and have been teammates ever since playing together at a Lions Club event in October 1991.

Bill and Kevin traveled across the pond to compete in the World Championship that was held in Edinborough, Scotland in 2000 and also to Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2008. Bill has competed in over 20 USBGA National Championships and has served on the USBGA Board of Directors since 1987. When not working on USBGA matters, Bill also serves on the Board of Directors for the Lions Club of Framingham and for the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts. Bill lost all of his eyesight due to complications from diabetes, which he has had since 1966. Bill also received a kidney transplant in 1996which was donated by his brother Kevin.

Kevin Sullivan is the instructor of golf at the Millwood Farms Golf Course in Framingham, Massachusetts and is also a member of the teaching staff of the Southborough Golf Training Center in Massachusetts.

Dr. William E. Pease

Charlottesville, Virginia USA

Dr. Pease is the Director of Bands and Director of the Cavalier Marching Band at the University of Virginia since 2003. Dr. Pease was hired to start a college marching band program. Since 2003 the band program has grown to have 280 members. The band performs at over 80 athletic events during an academic year. Dr. Pease also directs the Men's basketball band, and UVA Wind Ensemble. Dr. Pease is an Associate Professor at the Mcintire Department of Music.

Dr. Pease is the 2009 and 2010 B3 National Champion. Dr. Pease has been married to Linda Pease for 21 years. They have four children Casey 20, Neal 17, Madison 13, Nick 13. Dr. Pease is coached by his hero in life, his father Maurice E. Pease Jr. His father a former all state football player in Virginia, enjoys coaching his son with rather unusual motivation techniques taken from his days as a football player. "Bad shot, give me 20 push ups son"

Brian Macleod

Truro, Nova Scotia

Brian MacLeod was born and still lives in Truro, Nova Scotia, with his wife, Joanne, and daughter, Sarah, the two people that mean more to him than anything in the world. Brian worked at Superior Propane, as office manager, until his accident when he was 29 years old. He started the Nova Scotia Blind Golf Association in 2002 and this year will be the ninth tournament in Nova Scotia.

Brian was named Athlete of the Year for Colchester County in 2004 and 2007; he received the Canadian Order of Merit.

Brian has played in sixty golf tournaments around the world and has won forty; he has placed second in the last two world championships.

Brian has helped raise money for Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers, Canadian Breast Cancer Association, Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, CNIB, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Halifax Progress Club, Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame and Sport Nova Scotia.

Ronald Boef

Bovenkarspel, The Netherlands

Born on 22 September 1976 Blind at Birth. From age 7 till 20 was at a special blind school. Studied Music and Keyboard. Lives alone in his own apartment in Bovenkarspel which is about 45 min drive from Amsterdam.

Last 12 months: 1^st in Tournament in Germany, 8^th in Italy, 3^rd in Egypt, 1^st West Australian Open and 1^st Australian Open 2010 all in the B1 category.

Awards:Handicap Sportman from the Year – North Holland

George Thirkill

Langley, British Columbia Canada

George was born in Sudbury, Ontario in 1939. George is married and has two daughters and a son. He played hockey and ball until he was over fifty years of age. He discovered golf at Deep River in Ontario in 1960 and has played off and on since then. George was the low gross winner at the WCBGA in 2008 and the low gross Canadian winner at the Canadian Open Blind Golf in 2008. In 2009, George was the low gross winner at BC Blind Sports tournament in Burnaby, BC as well as the Pacific Coast Blind Golf Tournament in Kelowna. He participated in the Nova Scotia Blind Golf tournament placing first in the low gross B3 division at River Oaks Golf Course in Meagher’s Grant in 2009. In 2010, he represented Canada at the McCulloch Cup in Cleveland, Ohio and was voted Most Valuable Player for the event. He presently resides in Langley, British Columbia and golfs at Eagles Quest and Coyote Creek Golf and Country Club in Surrey, British Columbia.

Bruno Boucher

St- Gean Sure Richelieu, Canada

Bruno was born September 5th, 1951, in St-Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec. When Bruno was a young boy, his dream was to fly an aircraft but the destiny sent him to work for an aeronautic company instead for 20 years. In 1992, that is when the great turning point of his life occurred, by losing the use of his central vision to both eyes. Bruno has played golf for 40 years and will still play all his life even as a visually impaired golfer. Bruno enjoys playing chess during the winter season, which has been a passion since his youth. He has just recently won the Canadian championship for the blind and visually impaired chess tournament and is also currently the Canadian champion for the sport of blind and visually impaired players.

Ron Plath

Lake Oswego, Oregon USA

Ron has lived in Oregon all of his 60 years and has played golf about 55 of those.

Ron's entire family loves the game and all of their vacations involved a round of golf together.

Prior to his vision loss he was an educator in Beaverton Oregon working with children with special needs. Ron's wife Carolyn, was also a teacher in Beaverton before retiring in 2007.

Ron joined the USBGA in 2003 when their national championship was held at his home course in Oregon. Ron has been fortunate to win the b3 national championship five times, the Canadian Open in 2006 and the British Open and World Championship in 2008. He appreciates having the opportunity to compete against the best visually impaired golfers in the world and thoroughly enjoys meeting new players from around the world.

Ron and his wife/coach Carolyn are looking forward to their trip to Georgia in August.

Jack Herbert

Wallingford, Pennsylvania USA

Jack Herbert became legally blind in 1998 due to Macular Degeneration, Jack worked as a Mechanical Engineer for Sun Shipbuilding and DryDock Company for 35 years. Jack won the Delaware County Senior Games Golf Tournament in 1994 at age 70 with a Low Gross score of 78.

Harry Hester

Austin, Texas USA

Harry Hester, 58, lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Margaret. They have one grown son, Ryan. Harry was a Rural Mail Carrier with the U.S. Postal Service for twenty-five years before he became legally blind in 2003. He now works as a Special Education Teaching Assistant at a neighborhood elementary school. Harry says, "Being able to continue playing golf has enabled me to build close friendships, travel, and play competitively. Blind golf is truly a team sport and I am blessed to have good friends who are willing to coach me." He looks forward to playing golf in new destinations and enjoying the camaraderie of other blind golfers for many years to come.

Also participating…

Ron Derry- Baltimore, Maryland USA
Gerry Nelson- Saskatoon, SASK Canada
Harry Hester- Austin, Texas USA
Jim Durand- Longview, Washington USA
Chiara Pozzi- Milan, Italy
Andrea Calcaterra- Milan, Italy

Categories: Events

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Thursday, July 6, 2023

72 Hour Sample Itinerary for Groups

Planners, you have the opportunity to get to know Columbus, GA before you go with this 72-hour sample itinerary that’s chock full of inspiration to plan your next meeting or event. See all that "Georgia's Cool Cat City" has to offer your group.

Day 1

Afternoon Arrival & Check-In

Thanks to Columbus’ central location, getting here is easy. Whether you’re flying in at Columbus Airport (CSG)—serviced by Delta, just four minutes away from the heart of downtown and with new flight paths increasing accessibility—or driving, the destination is a suitable distance from many major cities in the Southeast. The ease of accessibility to Columbus is ideal for your attendees.

Once your group arrives in the afternoon, they'll check-in at the new Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place, a 107 room, seven-story, $30 million hotel overlooking the Chattahoochee River and just minutes away from the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center. The hotel features nearly 2,500 sq. ft. of meeting space for up to 100 attendees, a ‘farm-to-table’ restaurant, Denim & Oak Restaurant and a rooftop bar, Eighteen 85 Rooftop Bar.

Other hotel options close to the Convention Center include the newly renovated, 178-room Columbus Marriott and the new, 125-room AC Hotel by Marriott Uptown Columbus.

Settle in with Dinner and a Show

After bags are unpacked and your group is settled into the hotel, it’s time to enjoy a night out on the town.

Located within the heart of Uptown Columbus, EPIC Restaurant is a 4-diamond restaurant that offers a top dining experience in a warm and elegant space available to rent out for private events, making it ideal for a group dinner or small reception. Groups can also take advantage of EPIC’s event management and catering services to provide food and beverage during meetings and events.

Another great option, The Loft, is a restaurant, bar and venue dedicated to quality entertainment, food and fun for groups to enjoy. The venue also offers a private upstairs event space ideal for small welcome receptions, happy hours and networking. Over 60 restaurant options are in close proximity to the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center and offer ample space to accommodate small or large-sized group dining experiences.

After dinner, take in a Broadway show at one of Columbus’ seven performance theaters, including the Springer Opera House, and the lavish RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, one of the crown jewels in Columbus' Entertainment District — both within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 2

Start Your Morning Off the Columbus Way

Grab some coffee or breakfast at your hotel then head outside to take a leisurely stroll in the cool morning air along a 22-mile linear park, the Chattahoochee RiverWalk.

If your attendees want something sweet to start off their morning meeting, they can check out the tasty and always fresh treats made at Veri Best Donuts, less than an easy 10-minute walk from the Convention Center.

Breakout Sessions: "Only In Columbus” Experiences

Once your group has participated in some productive morning meeting sessions, plan to get them outside for some "only in Columbus, GA” experiences.

The flight directors at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center invite your group to participate in a simulated NASA space program. You’ll also have an opportunity to view some amazing artifacts from NASA as well as out-of-this-world productions shown in the planetarium.

For the thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies of the group, adventure awaits on the longest urban whitewater course in the world, Rush South Whitewater Park. It’s been described as “wild as the Colorado River, and warm as Costa Rica!” Intrigued yet?

Let’s Not Forget About All of the Unique Lunch Options

It’s time to regroup and recharge! Columbus offers numerous dining options for groups, from casual to upscale.

Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Banks Food Hall is a great option for dining outdoors with larger groups. There’s a little something for everyone thanks to a variety of vendors serving up versatile cuisine. Banks Food Hall is a collective eatery offering visitors food and drink options, a bar, and live music in more than 12,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor dining space.

Another tasty option is Cannon Brew Pub, a microbrewery known for its beers, burgers, white sauce pizzas and more. Meals are perhaps best enjoyed from the restaurant’s sidewalk tables or its balcony overlooking Broadway.

Afternoon Activities From Trails to Treating Yourself

Now that attendees have some time to themselves, they can explore the area via the multi-use bike and pedestrian Dragonfly Trail that weaves its way through the city.

Other fun free time options include visiting Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, self-guided heritage tours, antique excursions, viewing art galleries, or playing 18 holes at Bull Creek golf course.

Lastly, if you're needing a break from the long day that comes with some meetings and events, treat yourself to a relaxing session at Uptown Float. Their upscale sensory deprivation rooms can help you clear your mind, fight sensory overload and relax your muscles.

Wine Down for Dinner

After a busy day, your group can dine-in with convenience at your hotels’ on-site restaurant.

The Denim & Oak Restaurant is a farm-to-table riverfront restaurant located in Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place. Your group can unwind and relax as they dine riverside overlooking the beautiful Chattahoochee River. And before or after dinner, they can enjoy a locally inspired craft cocktail upstairs at Eighteen 85 Rooftop Bar, perfect for a small group dinner or outdoor cocktails.

Other convenient, on-site hotel restaurants include Houlihan’s at the Columbus Marriott hotel and AC Kitchen and AC Lounge at the AC Hotel by Marriott Columbus Downtown.

Day 3

A Farewell Brunch On the Final Day

Once your group checks out of the hotel, get together for a farewell brunch at My Boulange & Tower Pizza, a French-style cafe serving sandwiches and pastries all prepared in-house. This charming dining spot located in the heart of Uptown Columbus offers many different options for those looking to have a leisurely group brunch or host an event.

One Last Afternoon Attraction

If your group has the time, one last, worthwhile Columbus outing is a tour through renowned museums of historical, artistic and military importance like the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, Columbus Museum, or the Lunchbox Museum.

Plan Your Itinerary With the Experts at VisitColumbusGA

Columbus’ convention package is perfectly well-rounded and offers meeting experiences with walkability and authenticity. With expansive meeting spaces and venues, modern hotels, diverse cultural experiences, crave-worthy restaurants and an abundance of outdoor adventures, Columbus is your under-the-radar, world-class meeting destination.

The VisitColumbusGA sales and services team is ready to provide you with guided expertise, planning tools and helpful resources for booking that are sure to enhance your group’s meeting, event or reunion.

Reach Out to VisitColumbusGA

Categories: Groups, Itineraries

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