For a complete list of scores see Scoreboard

National/Open Winners

TOTALLY BLIND DIVISION

1st Place Phil Blackwell

2nd Place Angela O'Rourke

3rd Place Bob Andrews

Boswell (Net) Angela O'Rourke

Lazaro (improved) Gerald Stricklin

NEW DIVISION SEE SCUTTLE-PUTT

Senior* Otto Huber

VISION IMPAIRED DIVISION

B2 - 1st Place Dennis McCulloch

B2 - 2nd Place Buddy Frazier

B3 - 1st Place Charles Adams

B3 - 2nd Place Bruce Hooper

B2 & B3 Net Dennis McCulloch

SPIRIT AWARD: Ron Derry and his son Chad Derry

CALIFORNIA BLIND GOLF CLASSIC

By Howard Shaw

Back To Contents

The California Blind Golf Classic 2002, hosted by the Santa Maria Noontimers Lions Club was sanctioned and co-funded by the United States Blind Golf Association and the Lions Clubs International Foundation. It began on Saturday, July 27, 2002, with a practice round at La Purisima Golf Course near Lompoc, California. The Saturday night welcome dinner was attended by some forty USBGA players, coaches, and guest Lions.

The Sponsors Day Tournament was held on Sunday, July 28, at the Glen Annie Golf Course in Goleta, and was attended by 72 USBGA Golfers and Sponsor players. The awards dinner took place after play with 93 players and guest. Spirits were dampened a little by the unseasonable chilly weather and lack of warm California sunshine, but the course was beautiful and challenging.

The Blind Golf Classic was held on Monday, July 29, at the La Purisima Golf Course. The weather was still chilly and the course was challenging. Players should take heart in the fact that the La Purisima Course is one of the Professional Tour Qualifying Golf Courses for the PGA Tour, the Senior PGA Tour, and the LPGA Tour.

The B1 Class Gross was won by Tom Sullivan / Luke Manthee team (115), and the B1 Net was won by Bob Andrews / Tina Andrews team (101). The B2 Gross was won by the Dennis Wyant / Leonard Bailey team (111), and the B2 Net was won by Bob Comba / Janet Dyke team (101) . The B3 Gross was won by Charles Adams / Carl Kennedy team (96), and the B3 Net was won by Joe Hojnicki / Stan Schifflebein team (93).

* * * * *

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAM:

Back To Contents

In 2002, the focus of the Junior Golf Program, directed by Joe McCourt, was to introduce blind and vision impaired kids to golf through five Kids Clinics. Three clinics were done at three of the larger Lions Camps in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Texas. Joe McCourt and Jim Baker visited Camp Dogwood in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, on July 14-16. They worked with 48 kids for two days teaching golf fundamentals, using SNAG golf equipment. The afternoon of the second day, 10 of the kids were taken to a nearby driving range to hit golf balls for about two hours. This perked interest and a follow-up clinic this year would be well received.

Joe and Dick Pomo visited the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, on July 21-23, and worked with 120 kids. It was hard to work with that many kids in two half-days, but they did a great job. This year we need to have more time and a lot more help since the camp is really interested in golf.

Joe went to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville on July 29-30, but did not do a kids clinic, since this camp does not have a specific blind and vision-impaired week, like the other camps. He did explain and demonstrate blind golf to the camp staff, and there was some interest. Joe also held a kids clinic at the National Tournament in Fort Worth, and at the Florida Blind Open, with good success at both.

* * * * *

MEMBERSHIP DUES:

This is a reminder that if your 2003 dues were not paid at the Nationals they are due before February 28. Blind is $25; vision impaired is $15; coach/supporter is $10. Make checks payable to USBGA and mail to Tina Andrews, 3094 Shamrock St. North, Tallahassee, FL 30309. This will allow you to be eligible to play in all USBGA sanctioned tournaments and international IBGA tournaments. (Guiding Eyes is an invitational only)

A SPECIAL THANKS TO JOE MCCOURT:

Back To Contents

After ten years of service to the USBGA as a coach, volunteer, and diehard supporter, Joe McCourt resigned as the Junior Golf Director in October to pursue other opportunities. We all hope that Joe will be involved with the USBGA in some way in the future, including hosting the annual Florida Blind Golf Tournament.

Former USBGA president, Bob Andrews, who worked with Joe on junior golf programs for the past decade stated “Joe’s sincere concern and tireless efforts to help blind and vision impaired kids learn about the game of golf, has always been his passion. The enthusiasm and joy he brought to junior golf events and clinics was contagious and no doubt made kids aware of new and wonderful opportunities through blind golf. I and members of the association appreciate Joe’s time and dedicated assistance.”

* * * * *

RALEIGH REGIONAL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

By Jim Baker

Back To Contents

The 2002 LCI-USBGA Raleigh Regional Golf Championship took place on October 26-28, 2002, at the RGA Golf Course in Raleigh, North Carolina. This first year tournament was hosted by the Past District Governors Association of District 31-G, and the Raleigh Local Lions Club. It was the idea of PID Sid Scruggs to have the tournament. He was assisted by PID Lacy Presnell and PDG Herb Justice.

There were 17 USBGA players in the field, which consisted of 7-B1, 3-B2, and 7-B3 golfers. The competitive golf day was on Sunday and the weather cooperated to make it a nice day for golf. The scores in each division were good, but the biggest surprise had to be the second place finish by Sheila Drummond in the B1 division with a score of 106. This was her lowest score in tournament play and her best finish ever.

The Charity Scramble Tournament was held on Monday under very adverse weather conditions. There was a constant rain and wind, but everyone was a trooper and even 16 sponsor teams showed up to play. The highlight of the day was the very moving speech prior to play by Crystal McDaniel, the daughter of the 1972 USBGA National Champion, Jim Daniel. She talked about how important blind golf was to her father throughout his life and the positive impact it left on her as she grew up. Her entire speech is printed in the newsletter. Crystal is the reigning Mrs. North Carolina, and along with her husband, Nelson, and their three children, are strong supporters of the USBGA

There were three first time players in the tournament. Geoff Bull, and wife/coach, Sue, from Stewart, Florida, in the B1 division; Steve Grogan from Cookville, Tennessee, and Tim Clancy from Beecher, Illinois, in the B3 division. The USBGA would like to thank everyone associated with the tournament and we look forward to a great tournament in August 2003. Here are the results of the Raleigh Championship. The complete list of scores is in the “Scoreboard”.

Trophy Winners:

B1:

1^st Place: Phil Blackwell 95

2^nd Place: Sheila Drummond 106

B2:

1^st Place: Buddy Frazier 93

B3:

1^st Place: Bruce Hooper 88

2^nd Place: Mark Arnold 89

Net: Sheila Drummond 69

“I REMEMBER…”

By Crystal McDaniel

Back To Contents

A speech given at the North Carolina tournament by, past Mrs. North Carolina, and daughter of the 1972 National Champion, Jim Daniel

“In preparation for speaking to you today I pondered many things, “What should I say? Where do I begin? What is going to be of interest to these people?” So, I got out the scrapbook of my daddy’s golfing career.

Many emotions flooded me as I scanned these pages. Then one of the last things my daddy ever said to me came into my mind, “Crystal, remember. I need you to remember for me. Remember how I did things, remember what I taught you. They will need you to remember.” At the time he said these words to me, he was speaking of my mother and my brother. But, at this moment, I think his message was partly for you. I stand before you in this moment as a voice from your past, a past that is rich in inspiration. This inspiration comes from individuals who refused to believe in the word “impossible.”

I ask that you follow me backwards thirty years, to 1972, and listen closely, for this heritage is yours.

I remember distinctly driving back and forth from our home in Summerville, Georgia, to Fort Payne, Alabama, to our home course, Terrapin Hills. It took about thirty minutes to drive it and you have to cross Lookout Mountain to get there. For a little girl of six that seemed like an eternity. But, Daddy had to practice. He practiced all the time. The practicing began before I was born in 1965 after hearing a story about former National Blind Golf Champion, Charlie Boswell on the old T.V. show “This is your Life.” Daddy decided, “If that blind man can play golf then so can I.” In came the golf clubs and out the door went Daddy to the golf course. He found a coach and a pro that would teach him and with the encouragement of his life long best friend and family he began to play in tournaments. His notoriety began to grow. By the time I was born he was in full swing, no pun intended. We traveled everywhere, tournament to tournament, school to school, church to church, weekend after weekend. My playground was the fairways of some of our country’s finest clubs. Some of the azaleas in our yard actually came from the Master’s Coarse in Augusta, Georgia. Daddy planted several different grasses in our yard to simulate greens and fairways. We even had a sand trap. But, as my brother and I grew Daddy decided it was a little much to ask for two children to not ride bikes in their own yard. Once the sand trap was empty it became a great place for our bikes to jump. From my perspective, the world was large and wonderful and my daddy was truly the largest man that existed in it.

It did not surprise me in 1972 that Daddy, to encourage a friend diagnosed with cancer of the larynx, made the announcement that he would win the National Blind Golf Championship. He told his friend that nothing was impossible with God, and that if he could win the National Championship then he believed his friend would talk again. As we arrived in Greensboro, North Carolina that year, there was a press conference the players and families attended, I immediately spotted my second favorite player, Charlie Boswell, whom I affectionately called Uncle Charlie. I ran up to Uncle Charlie, threw my arms around his neck, kissed him, told him good luck, and then promptly informed him that my daddy was going to beat him. He smiled, gave me a hug, and laughed.

Daddy played with confidence. Hole after hole, he held his own and played to win. The crowds of people that followed were kind and supportive. One lady, who was a big fan of Daddy’s, literally knelt and prayed her rosary for every shot he made. His winning shot happened on hole 17. He chipped onto the green from the sand trap, and then sunk a 10 foot putt. To me, he might as well have landed on the moon. My daddy had won.! He kept his word to his friend.

That day, my father taught me that truly nothing was impossible. He never allowed us to use the word “can’t” in our vocabulary. He lived by one rule “You have to learn to live with what you are given.” My daddy was not only a champion golfer, but a cook, an artist, a singer, a mechanic, a guitarist, an evangelist and a comedian. As an artist, singer, and evangelist, he traveled at least 30 weekends out of the year speaking and working with people all over the country. As a comedian, his sense of humor traveled with him. Former, President of the Blind Golf Association, Bob Andrews, quoted my daddy to me a few weeks ago by telling me that daddy had told him “grits were southern ice cream.” In an interview with a newspaper in Alabama, Daddy was quoted saying that the chewing tobacco he was famous for chewing was “just good ol’ Georgia bubblegum.” Half of my friends growing up had a hard time accepting that Daddy was blind because of his independent way of living.

When I look back on my life, it is this example that shaped my life the most. It is the time spent watching these men, Charlie Boswell, Pat Browne, Bob Andrews, Joe Lazaro, and my daddy, Jim Daniel, that taught me true character, like cream, always rises to the top. It taught me that it is never what you see, but how you live that makes the difference. I grew up privileged, not because of monetary riches, but because of the wealth of the lessons learned from these golfers, these extraordinary athletes, who walk up to the tee and swing, and hope.

This is the heritage that is now yours. Because of the players that walked the fairways before you, now within your grip is the opportunity to inspire the generations who now stand in the gallery to watch you. Be assured that in this tournament none of us has to play alone. Sponsors, know that you have the ability to be an example to your community, your state, and your nation by showing the importance of getting involved, volunteering, and making a difference. The responsibility you have is great. It is a portrait to others of what overcoming the apathy and narcissism that overwhelms our country can accomplish. Your monetary support of the United States Blind Golf Association, as well as your physical presence, makes a strong statement to those who are listening and watching. Enthusiasm is contagious. I encourage you to spread your enthusiasm to other businesses by telling them of these marvelous athletes, their needs, and what can be done to help continue to support the outreach and goals of the United States Blind Golf Association.

Coaches, for you mere words are insufficient. The gratitude I feel for you, the coach, is beyond my scope of language. My daddy gave 90% credit for his game to his coach. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My prayers of thanksgiving go up to God in praise of you.

And to you the player, within you resides the best part of us all, the part that lives to “press toward the goal to win the prize, for which God has called us.” Phil. 3:14. You are the living definition of courage. Thank you for your example to the world.

BY THE BOOK

By Tom Mirus,

USBGA Rules Official

Back To Contents

At the national tournament in Dallas something happened that I had not seen in quite awhile. But as we all know anything can and usually does happen during a round of golf. The aforementioned situation gave birth to the topic for this issue. It is Rule 24, Obstructions.

Rule 24, Obstructions. An obstruction is defined as “anything artificial, including the artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths and manufactured ice.” There are three things that are exceptions, i.e. not considered obstructions. They are 1) “Objects defining out-of-bounds (walls, fences, stakes and railings), 2) Any part of an immovable obstruction which is out-or-bounds, and 3) Any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course.” Obstructions can be classified as either movable or immovable. The situation I will discuss in this issue is regarding a movable obstruction, Rule 24-1. Immovable obstructions, 24-2, (cart paths, sprinkler heads, etc.) will be covered in a future issue.

A player in Dallas hit an approach shot to a green and landed in a bunker and came to rest in the sand, directly under a rake. He asked what he could do. Rule 24-1 states that “if the ball does not lie in or on the obstruction, the obstruction may be removed. If the ball moves, it shall be replaced, and there is no penalty provided that the movement of the ball is directly attributable to the removal of the obstruction.” Although the rule does not specifically state, in such a case I usually ask the player to mark the position of his ball in case it does move. The player removed the rake and the ball did not move so his ball remained in play. You should remember from a previous edition that if the ball had moved and the player lifted it to replace it in its original position, he is allowed to clean it before doing so.

The other part of Rule 24-1 concerns when a ball “lies in or on an obstruction” (maybe it stopped on a spectator’s blanket or rolled into a paper cup or some other unusual place). In this case, “the ball may be lifted, without penalty, and the obstruction removed. The ball shall through the green or in a hazard be dropped, or on the putting green be placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball lay in or on the obstruction, but not nearer the hole.” Again, remember that the player may clean the ball when lifted under this rule.

I hope everyone is enjoying the break from tournament action since the conclusion of the Florida Blind Golf Championships. It will soon be time to gear up for the upcoming year. Remember, the rules are there to help the golfer. Knowing the rules (and definitions) can prevent penalties or disqualification and help you enjoy the game more.

* * * * *

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NEW JUNIOR GOLF DIRECTOR

The USBGA Board is happy to announce the selection of Tom Fink as our new Junior Golf Director. Tom is a Class A PGA member from Nashville, Tennessee. He is 35 years old and graduated with a BA in Sports Management from the University of South Carolina, in 1990. He has been a Golf Professional for 7 years and is presently the director of the Nike Golf School in Franklin, Tennessee. Tom and wife Susan moved to Nashville in 2001 from Florida.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THE CBGC:

Any members interested in playing in the California Classic who have not done so earlier, contact Jim Baker by February 15, and let him know about your plans. The board is trying to determine if the participation from our players will justify the expenditure of the LCIF funds for the tournament. This information will help us make that decision.

Back to Contents

SCUTTLE – PUTT

Back to Contents

Bob Shifley’s medical problems continue. He recently completed six chemo treatments for bladder cancer. On February 11, he will have his third knee surgery (left knee) within the past year. He is in a lot of pain and discomfort, but he and Varena hope to play in Portland, or Florida, later this year. Keep them in your prayers for a quick and full recovery.

Chuck Koepke’s heart problems in 2002 are improving. After his heart attack last year the doctors chose medication rather than bypass surgery. It seems to be working and he will play a full golf schedule this year. Look for him and Wayne in New York.

David Meador finished his six-month chemo and radiation treatment for colon cancer in October 2002. His strength is returning gradually and all blood tests indicate eradication of the cancer. He and Everett have already been out golfing this January. Also, David received two awards from the Nashville Sports Council in 2002-3. The Reese L. Smith Award, for Achievement and Community Service, was received by David in August, 2002, for his success in blind golf and his ongoing involvement in many local community service programs. The Kaia Jergenson Courage Award was received by David on January 27, 2003, for the courage he exhibited in battling colon cancer in 2002.

Charles Adams had a hole in one at Winkler Country Golf Course in Kermit, Texas, August 8, 2002. It was on the 11th hole from 156 yards, and he used an 8 iron. Way to go, Charles!

In 2002, the USBGA established TWO NEW DIVISION AWARDS, a SENIOR DIVISION and a LADIES DIVISION. There must be a minimum of 4 players in either division to have a competition in that division. The senior players must be 65 or older, and in 2002 there were 7 senior competitors at the Nationals in Dallas/Ft Worth. And the winner is… Otto Huber.

* * * * *

FLORIDA BLIND AND VISION IMPAIRED

GOLF OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Reported by Geoffrey Bull

Back To Contents

I joined 20 other visually impaired golfers at the Key West inn at Captain Hiram's, a beautiful resort on the intra-coastal waterway at Sebastian in South central Florida. Some of us were there for the 6^th Florida championship, others for open competition. The tournament took place December 7-9, 2002.

The opening dinner on Saturday evening was a great success, with good food, entertaining speakers, and great camaraderie; with Joe McCourt as our energetic and enthusiastic master of ceremonies.

About 100 local Lions and friends joined us for a scramble on Sunday, and with temperatures in the mid-seventies and little wind, one struggled to find excuses for bad shots.

At nine o'clock on Monday morning we were all anxious to get started on the main event, particularly since heavy rain was forecast for the early afternoon. For once the forecast was right and many of us finished the last five holes in a torrential downpour--otherwise of course I would have gotten that eagle! The day's results are listed in the “Scoreboard”, so I will simply highlight the two things that stand out in my mind. Angela ORourke's 105 was too much for all the B1 men, and Art Beauregard's 82 was a notable achievement in winning the B3 open.

In my B1 class, all the other players shot under 130, making it quite clear to me that I have a lot of work to do in order to become a serious contender. This was my second tournament, with my first being at Raleigh, North Carolina, in October. Both events were very enjoyable, but the venue and particularly the organization at Sebastian were outstanding, due, in no small part, I am sure, to the efforts of Joe McCourt, ably assisted by Denis Wyant. We must never under-estimate nor take for granted the work that Joe does for our Association.

National Championship / U.S. Open

Dallas, Texas – Sept 17-18, 2002

Place Player Coach Day 1 Day 2 Total

36 Net

* denotes player is 65 and over (new category)

B-1

1 Phil Blackwell Rod Turnage 91 97 188 128

2 Angela O'Rourke Coley O'Toole 113 106 219 123

3 Bob Andrews Joe McCourt 124 106 230 174

4 Jim Baker Kyle Seeley 126 111 237 177

5 Sheila Drummond Keith Drummond 129 119 248 154

6 Otto Huber* Tony Brezinski 122 131 253 173

7 Joe Nessinger* Merry Nessinger 119 135 254 254

8 Ron Derry Chad Derry 122 133 255 255

9 Gerald Stricklin Neysa Lucas 140 128 268 190

10 Bill McMahon Kevin Sullivan 139 134 273 193

11 Tom Sullivan Luke Manthe 130 143 273 273

12 Walter Dietz* John Fazio 137 138 275 195

13 Nick

The Midnight Golfer

OGA Members Golf Course, Portland, Oregon

Contact Joe McCourt or Phil Blackwell