URGENT UPDATE: The 79th United States Blind Golf Association (USBGA) championship is set to kick off at Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale, Minnesota, on September 17. This prestigious event showcases the extraordinary talents of blind golfers who defy the odds, transforming the game while inspiring others.
Among the competitors is Jeremy Poincenot, a remarkable athlete who lost his vision to Leber hereditary optic neuropathy at just 19. Now, at age 35, Poincenot is a nine-time USBGA champion and a symbol of resilience. His journey began with a Christmas gift of golf clubs from his father, Lionel, just before his diagnosis.
“When my dad handed me those clubs, I thought it was a sick joke,” Poincenot recounts, reflecting on how he initially felt lost. However, after hitting a few shots at the driving range, he embraced the sport again. “I said, ‘If I swing and miss the ball, then I’m done,’ but then I hit a couple of shots that reminded me of my past,” he adds.
The event is set to feature players categorized by visual ability, including B1 (no vision), B2 (little usable vision), and B3 (better usable vision). Each golfer is paired with a coach who provides critical guidance, describing the course layout and assisting with shot alignment.
USBGA President Bob Banks, who also lost his sight to Leber in his mid-50s, emphasizes the importance of these coaches. “Our coaches are essentially caddies on steroids,” he notes. “They help with my aim, track my shot, keep score, drive the cart, everything really. You just wouldn’t be able to play without them.”
The emotional bonds between players and their coaches are palpable. Poincenot credits his father with helping him navigate the challenges of the sport. “I don’t think I give my dad enough credit,” he admits. “He has to verbalize a lot of things, learning a whole new language to guide a legally blind golfer.”
Another inspiring figure, Jake Olson, who became the first fully blind athlete to play in a Division I college football game, shares his journey in blind golf. “My dad is the reason I’m the golfer I am today,” Olson states, highlighting the dedication and commitment that his father has shown.
Despite the challenges they face, these athletes are driven by their passion for the sport. Mario Tobia, a two-time USBGA champion who lost his sight at 40, describes how golf gave him a renewed purpose. “Golf was one of the few sports I could still play as a blind person,” he explains. “It was tough at first, but I was hooked on the concept.”
As the championship approaches, excitement builds among the competitors. Not only is it a test of skill, but it also brings together a close-knit community that cherishes the game. “We’re all so grateful to still be playing this game,” Banks remarks. “It’s like we say at the USBGA — you don’t have to see it to tee it!”
The event promises to be a celebration of perseverance and talent, with golfers from across the nation coming together to showcase their skills and inspire others facing similar challenges. As the countdown to September 17 begins, all eyes will be on Oak Marsh Golf Course, where these extraordinary athletes will tee off in pursuit of victory.
Stay tuned for live updates and coverage of the championship as it unfolds!
