American Blind Golf

A Non-Profit 501 C3 Golfing Organization

 

Trademarked ABG Logo

"Motivate, Inspire & Serve!"

Page Updated Friday, February 9, 2024

 

Short summaries of tournament results from 2018 through 2023 will be posted in the next few weeks.  Full summaries will resume in 2024...

 

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2017 National Stroke Play Championship

Submitted by Bruce & Judy Hooper

2017 National Blind Golf Championship - Fun, Fellowship, and Fund Raising

 

American Blind Golf’s National Blind Golf Championship this year in Texas proved to be an event of great fun, fellowship and fund raising, and we crowned three great champions.  Since 2009, the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind has been a unique partner with ABG, and each year has gotten better.  

We continue to have fun, enjoying new and old friends who come to play or coach or support our efforts.  This year there were 25 participating golfers and their coaches, with a few new faces from the U.S., Canada and Scotland.  Everyone enjoyed the festive music, art and food on the San Antonio River scene, and the Missions that are now considered one of our World Historic Sites.   

The fellowship that all of us have when we try to “motivate, inspire and serve all those who deal with the loss of sight” is unique and rewarding.  The ABG National Stroke Play tournament had a welcome dinner, two award dinners, and a fabulous raffle and charity event, all of which offer us a time to visit with others on and off the golf course.  There were 25 teams for the Fore the Blind Charity event which followed our national championship.  We met many of San Antonio’s sighted golfers.  The community sponsors for the event often return year after year to play.  They have come to understand ABG’s mission and help the vision impaired folks who live in San Antonio.  

Thanks to the donations from the San Antonio community, our fund raising has grown in volume each year.  For several years in a row, over $100,000 has been raised.  With these funds, Mike Gilliam, CEO of the San Antonio Lighthouse reported that in the last fiscal year

 

 

“the blind children’s program assisted 200 blind kids which is a 10% increase over last year.  Electronic Video Magnifiers were provided to 37 children, and $35,000 was awarded to blind college students.”

 

We hope to see you next year for more fun, fellowship and fund-raising.  The 2018 National Blind Stroke Play Championship will be our 10th annual event.  Mark your calendars for October 7 through 10, 2018.    

 

 B1 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Phil Blackwell Sybil Blackwell 98 93 191 151
Mario Tobia Frank Hesson 106 101 207 137
Jack Hansen Russ Hansen 111 118 229 151
Brian Oglesbee Steph Forrer 117 112 229 145
Jim Gales Ian Grimwade 116 120 236 168
Brad Eaton Mike Viens 128 125 253 161
Jim Hamilton Terry Martin 128 126 254 158
Ron Derry Jerry Rank 133 124 258 *
 

B2 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Charles Adams Robert Bell 90 76 166 142
Bruce Peterson Mike Gilliam 87 91 178 130
Bob Banks Cindy Anderson 95 90 185 129
Mark Arnold Randy Forrer 97 102 199 155
Kevin Frost Mike Rivet 101 109 210 130
Grant Weathers Jay Hardwig 116 113 229 125
Chris Flynt Clete Fugate 142 130 272 154
 

B3 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Scott Aughtry Dan Aldrich 85 88 173 153
Art Beauregard Sue Beauregard 84 90 174 138
Harry Hester Randy Nutt 91 86 177 157
Doug Penner Charlie Penner 88 92 180 142
Tim Jackson Rob Burneson 99 88 187 143
           

Senior Net & Overall Net Champions

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 
George Thirkill (B3) Roger Cline Senior Net 1st Place 133
Dan McDonald SR (B2) Dan McDonald JR Senior Net 2nd Place 163
Grant Weathers (B2) Jay Hardwig Overall Net Champion 125
John Casolo David Mouton Net 155
Gill Moss (B3) Joan Moss Net 169
           

 


 

2017 Match Play Championship

The Memorial

B1 Champion  Phil Blackwell & Coach Sybil Blackwell

B2 Champion Charlie Adams & Coach Nate Cline

B3 Champion Tom Marks & Coach Bob Marks

Senior Champion George Thirkill & Coach Roger Cline

Overall Stableford Champion Rick Kush & Coach Chris Tolton

For detailed results, please visit: 

 


 

2016 National Championship Results

 

A Summary by Bruce & Judy Hooper

The 2016 American Blind Golf Stroke Play Championship marked its 9th year.  Our partnership with the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired has proven to be very beneficial for both of us.  When we began in 2009, the goal of the event was to provide a national championship for blind golfers, to 'motivate, inspire and serve' all of those who deal with the loss of sight, and to increase the community awareness of the services for blind children provided by the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired.  Every year this tournament and charity event has grown in participation and sponsorship. 

 

This year’s tournament set a new record in dollars raised for the blind children’s program.  According to Mike Gilliam, CEO of the San Antonio Lighthouse, “In 2016, the Blind Children’s Education Program served over 200 kids;  Life-changing PC’s with high resolution, super-zoom cameras were given to 30 children ages 4 to 14, and $30,000 was awarded in college scholarships to blind students”.  

 

Bruce and Judy Hooper, and all those who consistently help make this event possible, thank you for participating and for your generous contributions for this cause.  We hope to see you again in 2017.  The dates for the tournament are October 8 - 11 for our 10th anniversary

 

B1 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Mario Tobia Frank Hesson 107 102 209 135
Brian Oglesbee Steph Forrer 114 113 227 143
Jim Hamilton Terry Martin 114 129 243 133
David Burnett Bill Phipps 129 129 258 162
 

B2 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Bruce Hooper Judy Hooper 83 89 172 142
Charles Adams Chris Crane 87 91 178 156
Mark Arnold Randy Forrer 88 101 189 147
Bruce Peterson Mike Gilliam 95 94 189 149
Kevin Frost Glenn Costello 108 106 214 144
Grant Weathers Jay Hardwig 125 118 243 183
 

B3 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Harry Hester Margaret Hester 83 83 166 142
Linda Port Buddy Cook 87 91 178 148
Art Beauregard Sue Beauregard 89 94 183 151
Tim Jackson Rob Burneson 88 97 185 145
Glenn Babcock Lois Babcock 94 95 189 157
           

Senior Net Champion

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 
John Casolo (B1) David Mouton Senior Net 1st Place 139
George Thirkill (B3) Roger Cline Senior Net 2nd Place 143
Dan McDonald (B2) Dan McDonald Jr Net 146
Gill Moss (B3) Joan Moss Net 172
           

 

 


 

2016 Match Play Championship

The Memorial

 

B1 Champion  Mario Tobia & Coach Frank Hesson

B2 Champion Bruce Hooper & Coach Judy Hooper

B3 Champion Art Beauregard & Coach Sue Beauregard

Senior Champion George Thirkill & Coach Roger Cline

Overall Stableford Champion Doug Penner & Coach Steve Donaldson

For detailed results, please visit: 

 


 

2015 National Stroke Play Championship Results

Congratulations Champions!

 

B1 (Totally Blind)

 

Phil Blackwell & Coach Sybil Blackwell

B2 (Low Vision)

 

Bruce Hooper & Coach Judy Hooper

B3 (Legally Blind)

 

Tom Marks & Coach Gerry Marks

Senior Net (All Sight Categories)

 

George Thirkill & Coach Roger Kline

Overall Net (All Sight Categories)

Dan McDonald & Coach Dan McDonald Jr

 

 

Official logo of the Lighthouse & link to their website

 

American Blind Golf would like to sincerely thank the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind for affording ABG the opportunity to demonstrate our motto, "Motivate, Inspire & Serve!"

2015 marks the sixth year that the Lighthouse has graciously hosted American Blind Golf's National Championship.  Our players & coaches hope in some small way we have assisted the Lighthouse in raising both awareness & funds for such an incredible organization.  As always, special thanks to Mike Gilliam and Nancy Lipton for their hospitality to American Blind Golf and their dedication to helping blind & visually impaired individuals lead independent lives.

 

 

B1 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Phil Blackwell Sybil Blackwell 99 102 201 175
Jim Gales Norie Ross 109 102 211 161
Jim Hamilton Terry Martin 136 120 256 168
Brian Oglesbee Steph Forrer 108 118 226 164
Adelaida Ortega Chris Crane 118 115 233 145
Mario Tobia Frank Hesson 104 101 205 145
Brian MacLeod Joann MacLeod WD      
 

B2 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Charles Adams Carey Dean 88 92 180 176
Mark Arnold Randy Forrer 102 92 194 172
Chris Flynt Jay Hardwig 138 138 276 170
Jack Hansen Russ Hansen 122 113 235 175
Bruce Hooper Judy Hooper 90 88 178 162
Rick Kush Chris Toltan 97 97 194 144
 

B3 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Scott Aughtry Dan Aldrich 87 WD    
Glenn Babcock Lois Babcock 93 95 188 170
Art Beauregard Sue Beauregard 97 84 174 156
Harry Hester Randy Nutt 76 90 166 152
Linda Port Fred Port WD      
Tim Jackson Rob Burneson 100 94 194 168
Tom Marks Gerry Marks 78 79 157 149
Peter Osborne Kara Osborne 91 88 179 143
Bruce Peterson Mike Gilliam 90 100 190 172
Jim Higgins Jeanette Higgins WD      
           

Senior Net Champion

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 
John Casolo (B1) David Mouton Senior Net 2nd Place 137
George Thirkill (B3) Roger Cline Senior Net 1st Place 136
Dan McDonald (B2) Dan McDonald Jr Overall Net Winner 137
Bill Neff (B2) Janet Neff WD
Howard Shaw (B1) Linda Smith Net 142
Gill Moss (B3) Joan Moss Net 149
 

 

 


 

2015 National Match Play Championship

The McCulloch Memorial

 

B1 Champion  Brian Oglesbee & Coach Alex Oglesbee

B2 Champion Bruce Hooper & Coach Judy Hooper

B3 Champion Tom Marks & Coach Bob Marks

Senior Champion Daniel McDonald & Coach Dan McDonald Jr.

Overall Stableford Champion Charlie Adams & Coach Todd Mohler

For detailed results, please visit: 

 

 


 

 

2014 National Championship Results

 

B1 Champion Mario Tobia & Coach Matt Tobia

B2 Champion Charles Adams & Coach Carey Dean

B3 Champion Tom Marks & Coach Bob Marks

Net Senior Champion Dan McDonald & Coach Dan McDonald Jr

Overall Net Winner Brad Eaton & Coach Mike Nugnes

 

Detailed Results

B1 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Brad Eaton Mike nugnes 112 124 236 146
Jim Hamilton Terry Martin 130 134 264 172
Joe Hojnicki Thuc Tran 114 117 231 171
Brian MacLeod Dave Emberley 117 118 235 175
Brian Oglesbee Jason Hogan 117 108 225 149
Peter Allen Smith John Duke Hudson 139 138 277 173
Mario Tobio Matt Tobio 113 106 219 139
 

B2 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Charles Adams Carey Dean 90 78 168 144
Mark Arnold Randy Forrer 98 97 195 161
Richard Faubion Randy Forrer 133 132 265 209
Chris Flynt Paula Chamblee 133 131 264 272
Bruce Hooper Judy Hooper 89 89 178 152
Jack Hansen Russ Hansen 105 105 210 156
 

B3 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Harry Hester Randy Nutt 91 80 171 143
Tim Jackson Rob Burneson 94 98 192 158
Tom Marks Bob Marks 76 87 163 149
Bruce Peterson Mike Gilliam 93 95 188 154
           

Senior Net Champion

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

John Casola (B1) David Mouton 130 126 256 144
Bill Forrer (B3) Stephanie Forrer 109 107 216 166
Dan McDonald Dan McDonald Jr 87 94 181 137
Gil Moss Joan Moss 109 117 226 158
Howard Shaw Fuller Smith 136 132 268 156

 

 


 

2014 National Match Play Championship

The McCulloch Memorial

 

B1 Champion  Brian Oglesbee & Coach Alex Oglesbee

B2 Champion Charlie Adams & Coach Carey Dean

B3 Champion Tom Marks & Coach Bob Marks

Senior Champion Bill Forrer & Coach Steph Forrer

Overall Stableford Champion Bruce Hooper & Coach Judy Hooper

For detailed results, please visit: 

 


 

ABG National Championship 2013

 

Another year and another round of terrific champions for American Blind Golf's National Stroke Play Championship in San Antonio:  The B1 championship was won by Phil Blackwell with Sybil coaching.  The B2 championship was won by Charlie Adams with Cary Dean coaching, and the B3 championship was won by Scott Aughtry with coach and father Mickey!  Congratulations to these terrific golfers. 

 

Following our championship, the Fore the Blind Charity Scramble was played with a full field of sponsors.   Although we did finally get the predicted rain on this day, most people played the full 18 holes and enjoyed a delicious dinner and prizes immediately after the tournament.  Thanks to these sponsors and to our blind players who toughed it out for a day of scramble golf, this event netted about $80,000.  And, once again, a number of our ABG players and companions won some super items in the raffle.  Thanks also to John Pazwald and his staff at the Republic Golf Club for the special interest and friendship he extends to American Blind Golf.

 

Our hotel, La Quinta Convention Center, proved to be a wonderful place for camaraderie and services.  Our players and coaches quickly found the hot tub by the outdoor pool and the spacious bar and eating area.  With a quick walk across the street, we were all able to visit the Riverwalk just minutes from the hotel.

 

 

Many American Blind Golfers, coaches and family members have discovered the unique towns of New Braunfels and Gruene, Texas, which are popular music and food attractions just outside of San Antonio.   Thanks to Joyce Jackson for taking so many of our folks to these special places.  For a few people who stayed after the charity scramble, a tour of the San Antonio Lighthouse's new school and manufacturing building was seen, and what an amazing place it is.  And thanks to Cappy's, another sponsor of our event, for the $10 gift coins we enjoyed using at La Fonda on Main!!

 

Finally, we would be remiss if we didn't mention that one of the founding members of American Blind Golf, Howard Shaw and his coach Fuller Smith played in the event.  Howard is now 89 years young and he completed all 36 holes of the tournament!  Many folks consider Howard the Father of American Blind Golf and it was an honor to have him in attendance.

 

2013 National Championship Results

 

B1 Champion Phil Blackwell & Coach Sybil Blackwell

B2 Champion Charles Adams & Coach Carey Dean

B3 Champion Scott Aughtry & Coach Mickey Aughtry

Net Senior Champion Gil Moss & Coach Joan Moss

Overall Net Winner Glenn Babcock & Coach Lois Babcock

 

Detailed Results

B1 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Phil Blackwell Sybil Blackwell 97 99 196 154
Mario Tobia Matt Tobia 105 109 214 152
Brian Oglesbee Jennifer Ripley 109 107 216 140
Joe Hojnicki Thuc Tran 111 107 218 150
Adelaida Ortega Chris Chrane 116 113 229 143
Brad Eaton Linda Smith 125 120 245 157
Jim Hamilton Terry Martin 121 133 254 166
 

B2 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Charles Adams Carey Dean 76 83 159 135
Bruce Hooper Judy Hooper 89 80 169 149
Mark Arnold Randy Forrer 94 89 183 145
Chris Flynt Paula Chamblee 134 138 272 272
 

B3 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Scott Aughtry Mickey Aughtry 76 89 165 155
Harry Hester Randy Nutt 88 81 169 141
Glenn Babcock Lois Babcock 89 83 172 134
Bruce Peterson Mike Gilliam 89 92 181 147
Tim Jackson Rob Burneson 86 95 181 143
John Latigo Tom Burkhard 115 110 225 225
           

Senior Net Champion

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Gil Moss (B3) Joan Moss 106 106 212 146
Bill Forrer (B3) Stephanie Forrer 108 103 211 147
Ron Murner (B1) Pat Murner 130 130 260 252
Howard Shaw (B1) Fuller Smith 128 133 261 149
John Casolo (B1) David Mouton 130 131 261 149

 

 

 

 


 

2013 National Match Play Championship

The McCulloch Memorial

 

Twenty blind and vision impaired golfers traveled to Ohio to compete in the 9th annual Match Play Championships of American Blind Golf.  Players from the US, Canada, and Scotland competed for the prestigious titles in each sight category.  Many of the players described the RAWIGA Golf Club as our own Merion Golf Club because even though the course is relatively short, it is a classic design that requires shot placement, approaches to small bunkered greens, and tricky putting.  You do not want to hit the ball right or left or over the greens.  The chip shots back to the crowned greens are very difficult.

 

Northeast Ohio has been blessed with considerable rain this year, so the course was soft, and played longer than it measured.  If you hit the ball in the rough, the grass was deep and difficult to move the ball forward.  Although rain was predicted each day, both competitive rounds were contested with no delays!

 

Competition Summary

B1 Sight Category

Phil Blackwell & his coach Sybil Blackwell from South Carolina defeated the defending champion, Mario Tobia from New Jersey.  Phil now holds both the stroke play championship that was held in San Antonio last October, and now the match play championship.  Mario is a two time winner of both events.  Recently Mario Tobia was awarded the most courageous sportsman of the year by the Sports Writers of Philadelphia.  This award has honored many notable athletes such as Ben Hogan.  The match was well contested with Phil prevailing in the end.

 

B2 Sight Category

This division was a hard fought match between Bruce Hooper from San Antonio and Charles Adams from Breckenridge, Texas.  Charles Adams was up for most of the match but Bruce Hooper mounted a comeback on the back nine.  In the end, Bruce won the match 1 up after 18 holes.  Congratulations to Bruce and his coach Judy Hooper.  Charles Adams is the current national B2 stroke play champion which he won last year in San Antonio.

 

B 3 sight category

Our current national stroke play champion Scott Aughtry and his coach Mickey Aughtry from Arkansas prevailed over Art Beauregard in a hard fought match.  Scott, who is a young man in his thirties, defeated Art Beauregard, a great player and defending champion from Tennessee.  Art and his wife Sue should be commended for putting up a great match against one of our youngest competitors.

 

Stableford Champion

This year's overall Stableford Championship was decided by the smallest of margins, one point.  In the end, Doug Penner and his coach Dave (Poppa Smurf) Emberley from Canada prevailed.  This was a special victory for Doug as the past year has presented him with numerous physical challenges.  All the players in attendance were thrilled for Doug as he has worked very hard in the past few months to regain his strength and rebuild his golf swing.  Congratulations Doug, all of us at ABG are glad you are back and competing once again!

 

The tournament raised $27,000 for charity.  Proceeds went to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Scholarships for adaptive technology for blind and visually impaired students.  The interesting thing about the scholarship awards this year is that it was divided between our youngest awardee, a 5 year old, and a graduate student at Carnegie Melon, our oldest awardee since the beginning of this American Blind Golf event.  The tournament also honored SSGT Aaron Hale who lost his eye sight trying to diffuse an IED in Afghanistan.  SSGT Hale, originally from Ohio, is now preparing to be a competitor in our ABG tournaments, as he completes his rehabilitation.  He and his wife and children, supported by sponsor Morton Salt, were flown from Florida to Ohio for our event.  He was greeted by the veterans motor cycle group called the Rolling Thunder and was escorted to our hotel upon arrival, and ended his visit by throwing out the first pitch at the double A Akron Arrows baseball game.  It was a great week, one that ABG was proud to organize.

 

 

B1 Champion  Phil Blackwell & Coach Sybil Blackwell

B2 Champion Bruce Hooper & Coach Judy Hooper

B3 Champion Scott Aughtry & Coach Mickey Aughtry

Senior Champion Bill Forrer & Coach Steph Forrer

Overall Stableford Champion Doug Penner & Coach Dave (Poppa) Emberley

For detailed results, please visit: 

 

 


 

ABG National Championship 2012 

 

Phil Blackwell and his coach & wife Sybil of Greenville, S.C., won the B 1 division outright.  As a totally blind golfer, his scores were remarkable.  The B2 division ended in a 36 hole tie between Charles Adams of Breckenridge, TX and his coach Carey Dean and Bruce Hooper with his coach & wife Judy of San Antonio TX

Charles won the B2 Championship on the first extra hole of a sudden death playoff.

Scott Aughtry and his coach & father Mick of Hotsprings Village, Arkansas, and Harry Hester of Austin TX and his coach Randy Nutt, tied for low score in B3 after 36 holes.  On the first extra hole of a sudden death playoff, Scott Aughtry holed his chip shot for a birdie 3.  Harry Hester had hit the green in regulation two strokes and putted his ball and lipped the cup to end the match.  Scott Aughtry is our B3 National Champion.

Second place in B1 went to Jim Gales and his coach Paul Shepherd from Scotland; 2nd place in B2 went to Bruce Hooper; and second place in B3 is Harry Hester.

Some notable final rounds were former Champion Bruce Peterson of Santa Barbara, CA and his coach Mike Gilliam of the Lighthouse, who shot 82 and former Champion Mark Arnold of Wadsworth, Ohio and his coach David Schuettner, who shot an 84.

A Senior Champion award was made to Bill Forrer and his coach Steph Forrer of Rittman, Ohio, who edged out Gil Moss and his coach & wife from Fairview Heights, Illinois.

 

Our national Women's Champion is three time World Champion Johanna Camarta and her coach & husband Ron from Riviere Qui Barre, Alberta Canada.  

The week ended with a very successful Charity Scramble benefiting the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind.  Twenty-eight teams were paired with the blind golfers.   

The dates have been set for next year's event.  The Fore the Blind tournament event will be played on October 16, 2013.  The American Blind Golf National Championship will be October 15 and 16, 2013.

 

 

2012 National Championship Results

B1 Champion  Phil Blackwell & Coach Sybil Blackwell

B2 Champion Charles Adams & Coach Carey Dean

B3 Champion Scott Aughtry & Coach Mickey Aughtry

Senior Champion Bill Forrer & Coach Steph Forrer

Lady's Champion Johanna Camarta & Coach Ron Camarta

Men's Net Champion Harry Hester & Coach Randy Nutt

 

 

 

B1 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Phil Blackwell Sybil Blackwell 86 95 181 139
Jim Gales Paul Shepherd 100 102 202 140
Mario Tobia Matt Tobia 113 109 222 160
Joe Hojnicki Thuc Tran 116 109 225 157
Brad Eaton Linda Smith 122 112 234 146
Brian Oglesbee Jason Hogan 121 118 239 163
Adelaida Ortega Chris Crane 122 121 243 157
Jim Hamilton Terry Martin 126 122 248 154
Peter Smith Zach Paone 138 132 270 270
John Casolo David Mouton 136 141 277 165

 

B2 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Charles Adams Carey Dean 82 86 168 132
Bruce Hooper Judy Hooper 81 87 168 148
Mark Arnold David Schuettner 93 84 177 139
Kevin Edwards Randy Forrer 90 94 184 146
Johanna Camarta Ron Camarta 105 98 203 141
Richard Faubion Roy Faubion 119 110 229 159

 

B3 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Scott Aughtry Mickey Aughtry 81 78 159 159
Harry Hester Randy Nutt 79 80 159 131
Bruce Peterson Mike Gilliam 94 82 176 142
George Thirkill Roger Cline 91 91 182 142
Tim Jackson Rob Burneson 86 96 182 144
Art Beauregard Sue Beauregard 93 95 188 164
Chip Stroup Nick Stroup 105 95 200 200
Doug Penner Charley Penner 105 97 202 156
Bill Forrer Steph Forrer 103 107 210 210
Gil Moss Joan Moss 109 102 211 147

 

 


 

2012 National Match Play Championship

The McCulloch Memorial

B1 Champion  Mario Tobia & Coach Matt Tobia

B2 Champion Bruce Hooper & Coach Judy Hooper

B3 Champion Art Beauregard & Coach Sue Beauregard

Senior Champion Bill Forrer & Coach Steph Forrer

Overall Stableford Champion Glenn Babcock & Coach Rick Mackiewicz

For detailed results, please visit: 

 


 

2011 ABG National Championship

B1 Champion  Mario Tobia & Coach Matt Tobia

B2 Champion Bruce Hooper & Coach Judy Hooper

B3 Champion Harry Hester & Coach Randy Nutt

Lady's Champion Johanna Camarta & Coach Ron Camarta

Men's Net Champion George Thirkill & Coach Roger Cline

Lady's Net Champion Mary Blair & Coach Curtis Blair

B1 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Mario Tobia Matt Tobia 105 114 219 163
Adelaida Ortega Chris Crane 121 125 246 168
Brian Oglesbee Jason Hogan 127 127 254 190
Jim Hamilton Terry Martin 135 138 273 173
Mary Blair Curtis Blair 150 133 283 151
John Casolo David Mouton 154 146 300 188
Brad Eaton Linda Smith 126 NC NC NC
Joel Marler Jeff Brittain 155 WD WD WD

B2 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Bruce Hooper Judy Hooper 93 87 180 158
Kevin Edwards Randy Forrer 89 93 182 142
Mark Arnold David Schuettner 93 95 188 158
Johanna Camarta   Ron Camarta 101 101 202 154
Joe Hojnicki Chet Babcock 113 101 214 148
Richard Faubion Roy Faubion 128 117 245 189
Peter Smith Christopher Haley 150 149 299 NHC

B3 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Harry Hester Randy Nutt 81 87 168 140
Art Beauregard Sue Beauregard 86 82 168 146
Scott Wilson Vicki Wilson 80 89 169 137
George Thirkill Roger Cline 88 86 174 134
Glenn Babcock Rick Mackiewicz 82 95 177 141
Bruce Peterson Mike Gilliam 87 91 178 148
Charlie Adams Ashley Lovall 87 100 187 157
Doug Penner Charley Penner 95 93 188 146
Tim Jackson Rob Burneson 87 105 192 162
Gil Moss Joan Moss 109 120 229 165
Kellie Sekula Jaymie Levan 126 117 243 177
Bill Forrer Stephanie Forrer 116 127 243 NHC

 

 


2011 National Match Play Championship

The McCulloch Memorial

B1 Champion  Mario Tobia & Coach Matt Tobia

B2 Champion Bruce Hooper & Coach Judy Hooper

B3 Champion Tim Jackson & Coach Carey Dean

Overall Stableford Champion Glenn Babcock & Coach Rick Mackiewicz

For detailed results, please visit: 

 


 

2010 National Championship Results

B1 Champion  Mario Tobia & Coach Matt Tobia

B2 Champion Bruce Hooper & Coach Judy Hooper

B3 Champion Bruce Peterson & Coach Jacques Courtois  

Lady's Champion Johanna Camarta & Coach Ron Camarta

Men's Net Champion Tim Jackson & Coach Rob Burneson

 

B1 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Mario Tobia Matt Tobia 113 102 215 137
Brad Eaton Brent Feldt 121 126 247 155
Mary Blair Curtis Blair 135 155 290 158
Joel Marler Jeff Brittian 155 168 323 187
John Casolo David Mouton 165 169 334 256

B2 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Bruce Hooper Judy Hooper 92 76 168 152
Mark Arnold David Schuettner 86 90 176 144
Kevin Edwards Randy Forrer 89 89 178 152
Johanna Camarta   Ron Camarta 88 99 187 131
Joe Hojnicki Chet Babcock 121 107 228 180

B3 Sight Category

 PLAYER 

 COACH 

 ROUND 1 

 ROUND 2 

 TOTAL Gross 

 Total NET 

Bruce Peterson Jacques Courtois   87 87 174 144
Charles Adams Bill Evans 87 88 175 143
Tim Jackson Rob Burneson 82 95 177 135
Scott Wilson Vickie Wilson 87 90 177 145
Harry Hester Randy Nutt 91 90 181 157
George Thirkill Mel Yake 94 94 188 150
Gil Moss Joan Moss 104 126 230 190
Richard Faubion Aaron Rager 116 117 233 177
Kellie Sekula Jeff Sekula 133 122 255 165

 

The 2010 National Championship Story

 

The 2010 National Open Championship was a tremendous success in all aspects of the event.  Players and coaches ventured from as far as California to Massachusetts, as well as several provinces in Canada to take part in the tournament.  Several players recorded career rounds and the competition was fierce in all three sight categories.  When all was said and done, Mario Tobia and his Coach Matt Tobia prevailed in the B1 Division, Bruce Hooper and his Coach Judy Hooper prevailed in the B2 Division, and Bruce Peterson and his Coach Jacques Courtois prevailed in the B3 Division.  

 

Comments from Johanna Camarta 

The ABG 2010 National Championship held in San Antonio, Texas was a great event.  Golfers enjoyed four days of golf on a great golf course with great weather.  Organizers and volunteers did a fantastic job looking after the golfers.  They covered every aspect that was required to host a blind golf tournament. The costs for the coaches playing in the practice round were even covered.

Travis and the staff at the Brackenridge golf course were helpful and professional.  The shot gun start tournament format worked out well as the golfers completed play at about the same time and we were able to socialize immediately after playing the course. Speed of play was about 5 hours because we played the "par plus two" rule.  Good thinking.  The on course volunteers were great.  There were more than enough scorekeepers and spotters, including students from the Alamo High School Golf Team.  The students were polite and helpful, and seemed to enjoy watching the blind golfers.

On a personal note, Bruce and Judy Hooper were wonderful, gracious hosts.  It was great getting together with them and seeing old friends and making new ones.  It was also encouraging to have all three sight categories represented by a female.

The Holiday Inn was a perfect hotel location just minutes from the River Walk, the Alamo site and great food.  The tournament is on the top of my list for 2011!        Johanna 

 

Congratulations Johanna!

 

 Photo of Johanna hitting a shot

 

Pictured above is Johanna Camarta from Canada as she hits a shot during the ABG National Open Championship.  Johanna shot her lowest round in competition for 18 holes, an outstanding 88!

  Listen to her talk about the experience as she was interviewed on the South Texas Golf Show by John Clay.  The audio was provided compliments of ESPN Radio 1250 in San Antonio.

Johanna Camarta Interview on ESPN 1250

Photo of Johanna & Ron Lining up a shot

Pictured above is Johanna & Ron Camarta

 

 

 

Blind Golf Instructional Clinic 

One of the highlights of the tournament was the Children's Instructional Clinic that was hosted by the San Antonio Lighthouse.  The summary below is compliments of KSAT 12

Blind Children's Golf Clinic Reaches Out To Area Kids

by Stephanie Serna, KSAT 12 News Reporter

POSTED: Wednesday, October 27, 2010

 SAN ANTONIO -- For many, the sport of golf is hard enough, but on Wednesday, more than 30 kids played the sport without the sense of sight at the Blind Children's Golf Clinic on Wednesday.

The annual event is sponsored by the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind.

"When you see them hit the ball and their face lights up, it means everything," said Nancy Lipton, a spokesperson for the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind. "It's just a life lesson that isn't always learned in the classroom. We want these kids to try other sports not just golf."

Local PGA professionals and First Tee staff served as instructors on Wednesday, as well as American Blind Golf National Championship winner Bruce Hooper.

"We're showing them the golf stroke. We have excellent instructors out here," said Hooper. "Hopefully, someone will take up the game for recreation. So that's why we're doing it, for the kids."

Wednesday was Daniel Ingraham's second year at the Blind Children's Golf Clinic. He said that he may continue to the sport when he gets older

"I'm thinking of being a construction worker or something, but I might grow up to play golf, too," said Ingraham.

The San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind started the clinic nine years ago with just four kids. Now they have more than 30 participants and Lipton said they are hoping by next year, they can reach out to even more kids.

National Open Championship Photo Gallery

 

Photo from the Charity Scramble

Group Photo From The San Antonio Lighthouse Charity Scramble 

 

Photo of Joe & Chet

Player Joe Hojnicki

Coach Chet Babcock

 

Photo of Brad & Brent

Player Brad Eaton

Coach Brent Feldt

 

Photo of John & David

Player John Casolo

Coach David Mouton

 

Photo of Kevin & Randy

Player Kevin Edwards

Coach Randy Forrer

 

Photo of Kellie & Jeff

Player Kellie Sekula

Coach Jeff Sekula

 

Photo of Harry & Randy

Player Harry Hester

Coach Randy Nutt

 

Photo of Mark & David

Player Mark Arnold

Coach David Schuettner

 

Photo of Scott & Vickie

Player Scott Wilson

Coach Vickie Wilson

 

Photo of Mario & Matt

Player Mario Tobia

Coach Matt Tobia

 

Photo of Gil & Joan

Player Gil Moss

Coach Joan Moss

 

Photo of Johanna & Ron

Player Johanna Camarta

Coach Ron Camarta

 

Photo of Bruce & Judy

Player Bruce Hooper

Coach Judy Hooper

 

Photo of Bruce & Jacques

Player Bruce Peterson

Coach Jacques Courtois

Photo of Curtis & Mary

Player Mary Blair

Coach Curtis Blair

 

Photo of Joel & Jeff

Player Joel Marler

Coach Jeff Brittian

 

Photo of Tim Jackson

Player Tim Jackson

Coach Rob Burneson

(not pictured

 

Photo of Richard & Aaron

Player Richard Faubion

Coach Aaron Rager

 

 

Photo of George & Mel

Player George Thirkill

Coach Mel Yake

 

Photo of Charlie Adams

Player Charlie Adams

Coach Bill Evans (not pictured)

 

 

 


 

2010McCulloch Cup

The Ryder Cup of Blind Golf

 

Since 2005 the Rittman Lions Club in conjunction with American Blind Golf, has hosted the North American Match Play Championships of Blind & Vision- Impaired Golf.  The tournament was renamed the Dennis McCulloch Memorial Match Play Championships in 2006 to honor Denny McCulloch, a former World Champion B2 player from Canada.  A new tradition began in 2010...  In partnership with our fellow golfers from Canada, the first McCulloch Memorial Cup, the Ryder Cup of Blind Golf, was held.  Plans to play for the Cup every three years are being finalized.  Tentative plans for 2013 are being formulated and the Cup will be contested in Canada.  The venue will be announced sometime in 2012.

Adaptive Technology  Scholarships & FFB Donations

The charitable nature of the event continued and more funds were raised for the tournament's major beneficiaries.  Once again area students were awarded Adaptive Technology Scholarships.  This year five more students benefited.  Over the history of the event 23 students have been granted almost $25,000 worth of assistive software and hardware products.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness also received a donation from the monies raised on the tournaments behalf.  Combined with a match from FFB CEO Gordon Gund, the Foundation received a total of $3,000 check from the Rittman Lions.  Over the history of the Ohio Tournament, the total donations given to the Foundation Fighting Blindness total $6,000!

 

 

Photos from the McCulloch Cup

Team USA Photo Day 1     Team USA Photo Day 2     Team USA Photo Day 3

 

Pictured above are photos of the USA Team over the three days of the event.  Special thanks to Woody at Loudmouth Golf for providing the team with such outstanding clothes!

 

Official logo of Loudmouth Golf & link to the website

 

 

 

Congratulations to Team Canada!

Team Canada 11 Points  -  Team USA 9 Points

The inaugural Cup was won by Team Canada after three days of spirited competition.  The results are as follows:

Day 1 Results

Canada stormed out to a significant lead after the first day of singles matches, scoring seven out of ten points.  The results were as follows:

 

                Waving Canadian Flag

Team Canada 

Bruno Boucher

George Thirkill

Brian MacLeod

Jim Gales

Mike Vrooman

Doug Penner

Doug Stoutley

   

Team USA

Mark Arnold

Bruce Hooper

Tim Jackson

Waving USA Flag

Day 2 Results

The second day of the competition featured a scramble format pitting a team of 2 players from the US against 2 players from Canada.  The US Team stormed back to draw within 1 point, winning 4 out of 5 points.  The results were as follows:

                Waving Canadian Flag

Team Canada

Boucher/Thirkill

 

 

 

   

Team USA

Hooper/Murner

Arnold/Eaton

Adams/Derry

Jackson/Edwards

Waving USA Flag

 

Final Day Results

The final day of the competition featured a scramble format pitting a team of 2 players from the US against 2 players from Canada.  The competition was closely contested; but in the end, the Canadian Team prevailed winning 3 of the 5 total points.  The results were as follows:

 

                Waving Canadian Flag

Team Canada

Penner/Thirkill

Gales/Boucher

Vrooman/MacLeod

 

 

   

Team USA

Hooper/Edwards

Adams/Hester

Waving USA Flag

Final comments from USA Captain Mark Arnold

On behalf of American Blind Golf, I would like to thank all the ABG players and coaches for making the event in Ohio an unbelievable success!  Through your efforts, we conducted a tremendous competition and raised thousands of dollars to support blind charities.  I am so very proud to be associated with such a fine group of players and coaches.  Although the McCulloch Cup will not be contested next year, we hope to see many of you in Ohio in 2011 for the McCulloch Memorial Match Play Championships of Blind & Visually Impaired Golf!

 

For more information on the Ohio tournament and the history of the events held since 2005, please visit:

 

 

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