The Midnight Golfer
Newsletter
Volume 14, Number 1
Winter 2004
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN PORTLAND, OREGON
RALEIGH NORTH CAROLINA TOURNAMENT
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP & U.S. OPEN
By Bill McMahon
The Lions Clubs International-USBGA Blind Golf Championships took place at the OGA Members Golf Course in Woodburn, Oregon on September 23-24. Two days prior to the start of the tournament, several members of the USBGA played a practice round with key Lions, who had just participated in the US-Canada Lions Forum. Many of the Lions experienced playing with blind and vision-impaired golfers for the first time. Everyone had a great time and the players found the course to be very challenging.
On Monday, September 22, the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) and the USBGA held a charity scramble tournament. Of the 26 sponsor groups, twelve were Lions Club teams. $2,500.00 was donated to the USBGA Junior Golf Program. Along with having the scramble, the Willamette Valley Country Club was also the site of a junior clinic that introduced blind and vision-impaired youth to the great game of golf. The 23 students, who came from the Oregon and Washington Schools for the Blind, received instruction from nine local golf professionals, several USBGA members and coaches, and many enthusiastic volunteers. It was one of nine clinics put on by the USBGA this year and was extremely successful.
A world-class field of 44 players participated in the U. S. Blind Open Championship, played concurrently with the USBGA National Championship. Because of the International Blind Golf Association’s support, twelve international players and coaches were able to attend.
On day one of the championships, blind and vision impaired golfers were paired together. Senior rules official, Tom Mirus, was pleased with the pace of play and scores were low. On day two, golfers were divided into three sight categories and paired according to the order of finish on day one. Congratulations should go out to all, but especially to winners Phil Blackwell and his coach Rod Turnage, USBGA National Champion for the second straight year, and runner-up Jim Baker and coach Kyle Seeley, followed by Bob Andrews and coach Joe McCourt. Mark Arnold and his coach, Mike Schmock won the B2 Division followed by Buddy Frazier and his coach Bob Farnum. Dennis McCulloch and his lovely wife, Barbara, from Canada, came in third. Bruce Hooper and coach/wife Judy captured the B3 Division after edging out Art Beauregard and coach/wife Sue by only one stroke. On his home course, new member Ron Plath and coach Steve Mallicoat came in third.
Four other golfers were recognized during the awards banquet. This year’s Boswell trophy, the low net winner, was presented to Angela O’Rourke. Mike Mercado won the Lazaro trophy for the most improved golfer. Otto Huber was victorious for the second straight year winning the Senior Division. Finally, Tim Jackson was presented the 2003 Spirit award. The tournament welcomed first-time U.S. Open players Ken Curzi, a B2 member from Connecticut; Bill Davis, a B3 member from California; and Ron Plath, a B3 member from Oregon.
The 2003 championships will be remembered as a huge success. Valuable publicity and awareness of the blind was wide spread. Local television and radio stations aired stories about the players and the competition. Several newspapers and web sites also carried articles featuring members of the USBGA and the tremendous support of LCIF.
Check the SCOREBOARD for complete tournament scores. Scores are also listed on the website www.blindgolf.com.
By Tom Fink, USBGA Junior Golf Director
and PGA Professional
2003 was a year of new beginnings for the USBGA Junior Golf Program. Nine clinics were held introducing golf to 272 blind and vision impaired students from nine states. The 2003 clinics were held in Spartanburg, South Carolina; Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; Mooresville and Raleigh, North Carolina; Portland, Oregon; Norton, Massachusetts and Trophy Club, Texas. The clinics included participants from seven state blind schools, six county vision programs and one Lions summer camp.
Even though clinic locations changed several things stayed the same. Enthusiastic students willing to try something new and different were the overwhelming theme of the year. It seems many juniors have found an activity they want to participate in and learn more about. All of the volunteers, including teachers, Lions Club members, PGA golf professionals, USBGA members and just everyday folks were willing to share their time to make a difference for some great kids in their community. The weather was not always the best, and the facilities were not always perfect for teaching golf, however, everyone involved always brought their best to the table for each clinic.
The clinics taught the juniors about golf basics including putting, chipping, the full swing, golf terminology and equipment. We were fortunate to have knowledgeable volunteers including PGA golf professionals to help teach the clinics. More importantly the juniors heard stories, were encouraged by and told of some interesting first hand experiences from many USBGA members including Jim Baker, Phil Blackwell and David Meador.
While 2003 was a great year it is only the beginning of things to come. The goal for 2004 is to gain more participation from students and volunteers nationwide. The positive feedback received indicated all involved enjoyed the clinics. We would like to thank everyone who participated with the 2003 program and look forward to working together in 2004.
The 2003 LCI-USBGA Midwestern Regional Championship was held the weekend of July 19-21 at Rawiga Country Club. The Wadsworth Lions Club, Lions Club International, and The United States Blind Golf Association joined together to put on the event, but the tournament would not have generated funds for sight related causes if not for the outstanding support given by local merchants and community leaders. At last glance, the tournament raised over $5,200 for charity. A Special thanks to the tournament director, Bill Saathoff, for cramming a years worth of preparation into six months.
The weather for the competitive tournament cooperated and Rawiga presented a challenge to all. Twenty players from ten states competed in the event. Winners included:
B1 Phil Blackwell, South Carolina
B2 Buddy Frazier, South Carolina
B3 Bruce Hooper, Texas
An award to honor the “Coach of the year” was presented to Mark Arnold’s coach, Mike Schmock. The award is named after Mark’s late father and first coach, Bill Arnold.
WCTV, the Wadsworth Cable Station, filmed each player as they teed off and then roamed the course for various candid shots. Each player and coach received a videotape of the tournament and awards ceremony. The video is also currently running on the Wadsworth cable station. The tournament received a tremendous amount of additional coverage with articles in three local newspapers.
The sponsor scramble event on Monday was soggy to say the least. Heavy rains settled in and the golf was definitely in jeopardy. After a lengthy delay, all twenty groups were able to finish. Hopefully all those participating gained a first hand understanding of how blind golf is played.
For more information about the tournament, visit the official tournament summary web page at:
http://www.wadsnet.com/~barnold/MidwesternRegionalChampionship.htm
Check SCOREBOARD for a complete list of scores.
The International Blind Golf Association Board approved some IMPORTANT CHANGES in 2003. Look for those changes to be implemented at this year’s tournaments. Probably the most talked about modification has to do with the requirement that B1 golfers must wear blackout glasses while competing. I will cover the regulations and implementation of the blackout glasses later in this article.
New B3 golfers will also have to conform to new specifications defining the B3 category. Golfers who have the best correction in the best eye of 20/200 will no longer be eligible for membership. The new forms will say “less than 20/200” but not 20/200. It was felt that too many golfers with sight exceeding 20/200 were erroneously being placed in the B3 division. By asking doctors to give a specific test result should eliminate the problem.
There will be a new universal doctors form for sight classification coming out this year. It will help ensure that all golfers will be subjected to the same criteria and sight testing procedures. IBGA member organizations will be asked to convert to the new form. This will be done over a period of time in order to minimize the cost for golfers.
Melbourne, Australia will be the site of the 2004 World Blind Golf Championship followed by Japan in 2006. After the championships in Japan, the event will switch to being played every third year rather than biennial.
FINALLY,
BACK TO THE BLACKOUT GLASSES WITH SOME ANSWERS AND REGULATIONS.
There is no reason or need to make the new regulation on blackout glasses complicated. Nor is there any need to create inconvenience, hassle or distractions for the 95+ % of the golfers that meet the definition of a B1, blind golfer. The purpose of the regulation is to ensure that competition among all totally blind golfers is fair and equitable.
The following short and simple rules are designed to implement the new blackout glasses regulation.
Golfers will be responsible for providing their own sunglasses. The sunglasses must be classified as standard or of a normal size and shape. This will allow golfers who normally do not wear sunglasses to become accustomed to and comfortable with their own pair prior to playing in a tournament.
Question: How will regular sunglasses become “black-out glasses”?
There is a thin vinyl material, which comes in sheets. It comes in black and is non-transparent. It is very light and easily cut to any shape. It sticks to sunglass lenses without any adhesives and can be placed inside the lenses so it is not apparent to an observer. It is re-usable and when removed leaves no trace on the sunglasses.
Question: How will blackout glasses be monitor and regulated?
All B1 golfers will have their sunglasses fitted with the vinyl blackout material prior to playing on the tournament golf course. A tournament committee official most likely will administer it during registration.
B1 golfers can be asked to have their sunglasses checked at any time on the golf course by a referee or tournament appointed official. A check will most likely take place on the first tee in addition to a spot check during the round.
A B1 golfer may remove his or her sunglasses occasionally for what ever reason but at no time while actually playing or setting up a shot. This would especially apply on tees, greens, or prior to any swing.
Any B1 golfer found breaching these basic rules will be placed in the B2 division or possibly disqualified. Final decisions will be made by the tournament committee.
RALEIGH REGIONAL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
By Phil Blackwell
The 2003 LCI-USBGA Raleigh Regional Golf Championship took place on August 16-18 at the RGA Golf Course in Raleigh, North Carolina. This was the second year for the tournament. District 31-G, and the Raleigh Local Lions Club hosted the tournament. There were 16 USBGA players in the field, which consisted of 7-B1, 5-B2, and 4-B3 golfers. The competitive golf day was on Sunday and the weather was great as were the scores.
A charity scramble tournament and junior golf clinic were held on Monday. One of the sixteen groups was very unique. When Phil Blackwell joined the foursome it formed a team of five left-handed golfers. The junior blind clinic attracted 21 students from the Governor Morehead School for the Blind and the Wake County Vision Program. These young golfers received instruction from Tom Fink and six Carolina PGA Section members.
At the tournament a Slit Lamp Machine, valued at over $5,000, was donated to the University of North Carolina Eye Center by LCIF and the Boice-Willis Clinic (located in Rocky Mount.)
Phil Blackwell shot a remarkable 89 and won the B-1 division. The B-2 competition was very close with Mark Arnold edging Buddy Frazier by one stroke with a 90. Art Beauregard shot a great round of 84 to win the B-3 category.
New USBGA member Jim Evans competed in his first tournament in Raleigh and finished second in the B-3 division. Check the SCOREBOARD for a complete list of scores.
The USBGA would like to thank everyone associated with the tournament and we look forward to a great event next year to be held on August 28-30 at RGA.
Crystal McDaniel, daughter of the 1972 USBGA National Champion, Jim Daniel, spoke about the USBGA golfers she had met. Crystal was the 2002 Mrs. North Carolina. She, her husband Nelson, and their three children are strong supporters of the USBGA. See her article “That One Moment In Time” on page 8.
BY
THE BOOK
By Tom Mirus,
PGA
& USBGA’s Senior Rules Official
I hope everyone has enjoyed the off-season and had a great holiday season. 2004 promises to be an exciting year. It’s Leap Year so everyone can enjoy an extra day of practice on February 29! Or, you could read the new 2004 Rules of Golf book. You see, just like Leap Year, every four years the USGA and the R & A update the rules we all play by. The Rules are reviewed jointly by the R&A and USGA to clarify the Rules for use worldwide. Both groups must agree upon changes before they can be adopted. Such changes are implemented every four years.
This year the rules have undergone the most extensive change in nearly 20 years. I will not attempt to go through all of them, but will outline some of the things that may help you the next time you play. In general, the entire rulebook has been updated. Changes in format have been made throughout the Rules. Language was updated for consistency and for easier understanding by golfers. The new formatting makes this edition easier to use.
The section on etiquette has been amended and expanded to give broader guidance on the etiquette of the game and to clarify that a Committee may disqualify a player for a serious breach of etiquette under Rule 33-7.
Several definitions have been clarified for easier understanding. I encourage everyone to become familiar with the definitions. I cannot stress enough how important it is to know the definitions in order to understand and apply the rules.
Regarding changes in the rules, numerous clarifications and reformatting has occurred. There are two specific ones I will mention. Rule 16-1a, Touching Line of Putt, has been amended to provide that the player may remove loose impediments on the putting green by any means, provided he does not press anything down (previously you were restricted to using either your hand or clubhead). Second is Rule 23-1 Loose Impediments; Relief: Rule 18-2c has been withdrawn and Rule 23-1 has been amended to provide that a penalty for the player causing his ball, lying anywhere other than on a putting green, to move due to removal of a loose impediment will be assessed under Rule 18-2a. There is no longer an automatic penalty if a ball moves after a loose impediment within one club-length of the ball is touched.
Regarding a player’s amateur status, the retail value of a prize won in a tournament may not exceed $750, up from the previous $500 limit.
The last thing I will mention concerns equipment. Two equipment proposals have been adopted as part of the Rules for 2004. A size limit of 460cc, plus 10cc for measurement tolerance, will be placed on club heads, along with two-dimensional controls. The first control limits the length between the heel and toe of the club head to 5.0 inches, while the second control places a 2.8-inch limit on the height between the sole and crown of the club head. There is also a limit of 48 inches on all club lengths, with the exception of putters. A one-year grace period will be granted for clubs already in use prior to 2004, for both the new club length and club head size limits, until Dec. 31, 2004
Remember that 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.
I look forward to seeing everyone at each of the tournaments I will attend in 2004. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about the rules.
FLORIDA BLIND CLASSIC
By Geoffrey Bull
The 2003 Florida Blind Classic was held in Melbourne, Florida on November 22-24. Three days of sunshine, 80-degree temperatures and gentle breezes provided ideal conditions. Fifteen golfers and coaches gathered for the practice round on Saturday, followed in the evening by one of the highlights of the weekend - hors d'oeuvres, pizza and an open bar at the home of Dennis and Jane Wyant. This was Dennis' first time as tournament chairman and his vivacious and charming wife Jane ably assisted him. The tournament was outstanding from the get-go.
The Sunday scramble was hotly contested, with prizes so plentiful that I thought for a while even I might get one! We are grateful to the members of the Coco, Melbourne Beach, Sebastian and Viera Lions clubs for their participation in this event, with many of them joining us in the evening for the Awards Dinner.
We learned in Sunday's scramble that there was water - water everywhere, including an island 18th green. However, on Monday, there were still many splashes and penalty strokes during the competition. The winners in all three categories registered excellent scores, especially B3 golfer Art Beauregard who shot an impressive 80, which included a snowman on the 18th hole.
Many thanks must go to Dennis and Jane for a job well done. In addition, we are indebted to all of the Lions, especially the Viera Lions Club for providing shuttle transportation for many of the players from the Orlando airport. This helped make the weekend a total success. Also, hats off to the tournament rules official, Ed Hamel. And finally, we acknowledge with sincere gratitude the continuing sponsorship of all events by Lions Clubs International.
THAT ONE MOMENT IN TIME
By Crystal McDaniel
Here we are again, at the RGA Golf Course in Raleigh, N.C. I am humbled to be standing here, speaking to you for a second time. Being invited to speak to you at last year's tournament was a true "marker moment" in my life. Events involving the United States Blind Golf Association always seem to leave a well-defined impression upon me. The 2002 USBGA Raleigh Regional Tournament is no different. When I pulled into the parking lot of this golf course, rain was pouring from the sky. I don't think anyone was really sure if the sponsor scramble was actually going to happen. Then it was quickly decided that I would go ahead and speak before the tee-off in order to wait to see if the rain would break at all. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, making the sponsor scramble completely miserable for almost everyone, especially Jim Baker, who in speaking to me earlier in the week reported that he had finally completely dried out. As wet as we all were, I would not trade that day spent with you for anything. It was a magnificent event and I thank you for allowing me to be a small part of it.
At last year's tournament, I spent time with you sharing memories of my father, Jim Daniel, who was the 1972 USBGA National Blind Golf Champion. It was a wonderful way for me and my family to celebrate his achievement in the game of blind golf with 2002 being the 30th year anniversary of his win at Greensboro, North Carolina. As I watched you all playing golf in the rain, I was flooded, (literally and metaphorically), with thoughts and feelings that I cannot express fully in words. A very joyful and happy part of my life was given back to me. I felt as though I was that 6 year old little girl again, with all the hopes and admiration a little girl has for her father and his friends. I felt as though I was watching him win all over again. Since that moment in time last year I have realized that my involvement in the USBGA, over the course of my life has helped to shape the person that I am in a drastic and positive way.
As a six year old little girl I stood with my mother, brother, grandmother, grandfather, and friends, watching breathlessly as my daddy sunk his winning 10-foot putt. That one moment in time has taken me on quite an adventure. Because of this game called golf and the USBGA tournaments and other charitable events, at age nine I walked the Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts in 1975, the year before our countries bicentennial. I stood on the deck of the USS Constitution, listened to stories of Paul Revere on the Lexington Green, and gained a love of the history of our country. I have been taught the true meaning of patriotism and the cost of freedom through the life stories of USBGA players, Charlie Boswell and Bob Andrews. By the time I was thirteen I had already walked on the Masters Course in Augusta, Georgia and met many of the legends of the golf world. Most people have never made it through the front gate.
The gifts given to me by the example of the players and members of the USBGA
do not stop here. You have done much more than to shape my life, you have
helped me learn to live it. You have taught me to persevere when I have felt
like quitting. You have taught me to overcome when I have felt the fairways
of my life were too long, the sand traps too numerous, and the water too
deep. Through witnessing your abilities to turn negatives into positives
regardless of whatever the obstacles you faced, you taught me never to settle
for less than I am. You taught me to dream, goal set and go for it. It is
because of that one moment in time in 1972 and you that I can stand here and
tell you I have been privileged enough to have graced the stages of some of
the world's greatest concert halls. Today, I am a better daughter, sister,
wife, mother, aunt, friend, and performer because of you, the members of the
USBGA.
My
children, Jacob, Rachel and Rosemary, are here listening today. I pray that
this event has been a "marker moment" in their lives. I hope that in bringing
them they have received the gift of inspiration that this organization gave to
me when I was their age. I ask that you indulge me for a moment, as I want to
say something to them. Look around you children of mine, take a look at these
faces, you are surrounded by greatness. This is your moment in time. Each
one of these individuals has something to teach you:
Ron Murner, whose main coaches are Pat and Brett Murner. He finished 3rd Place in the 2002 Florida Tournament.
Bob Kennedy, who, like so many of our USBGA players, has the full support of his family and plays the game with his 13 year old son, Daniel, by his side as his coach. He builds his own clubs and has accomplished a 355-yard drive.
Dr. Dennis Wyant, coached by his wife Jane, not only is a great golfer, but also is a previous world record holder in blind water skiing.
Phil Blackwell has a National and World Championship under his belt. He started playing blind golf at the encouragement of his son-in-law Rod and now encourages other young blind golfers in South Carolina to play the game he has come to love and plays so well.
Jim Baker, the 2001 National Blind Golf Champion, is an organ transplant success story and current USBGA President.
Sheila Drummond made USBGA history by joining in the mid 1990's and becoming the first female member to qualify. She is coached by her husband, Keith, and is one of two female B1 players in the world.
Bruce Hooper is coached by his wife, Judy, and finished 2nd place in category B3 at last year's national championship. He finished 1st in category B3 here last year.
Mark Arnold loves the game of golf and has played for nearly 30 years. He feels that one of his greatest accomplishments was shooting three under (33) on the front nine at a golf course in Medina, Ohio. His late father was playing in his group. He plays with the full support of his wife, Brenda, and their two daughters.
Steve Grogan has been playing golf for the past eighteen months and thinks it is a terrific outlet for him. It helps him to enjoy the outdoors.
Bill McMahon has been an active Lion's Club member and is a past Lion's Club president. He is coached by Brayton Cherry.
Art Beauregard also holds a national championship under is belt. He is a golfer who scores in the 80's and 90's and enjoys competing with golfers who have the same vision limitations. Golf has given him the ability to meet great people from all over the world.
Jim Evans made the army his career. Jim and his wife, Angelina, have two children, a daughter and a son, and one grandson. He has accomplished three holes in one.
Dennis Smith's one and only coach is his wife, Linda. Together they have been participating with the USBGA since 1999. In 2001 they won the B3 division both in Georgia and Florida.
Gerald Stricklin did not play golf until after he lost his sight. He feels that the game has taught him a lot about trust, especially in his coach, and given him courage. He loves the challenge golf brings into his life. It helps him to strive to do better.
Buddy Frazier has been playing golf since age 12. He has been playing with the USBGA for two years. He is a veteran who lost his sight overnight, but has not allowed this challenge to stop him from playing the sport he loves.
George Jones is marking his 8th tournament with the USBGA. His wife Elaine has been his only coach and together they get to play golf almost year round.
Lastly, children take a look around at the people we call by the name of sponsor. These men and women who have given of their time, talent and lives to an organization called The Lions Club International. In 1925 they were inspired and challenged by Helen Keller, whose own life was and continues to be an inspiration to us all. She placed a call on this organization to become, "Knights of the Blind." Ever since that one moment in time, without hesitation, they have boldly answered the call and have become a champion and a light for us all.
What a fantastic opportunity you three now have to be able to carry on the tradition of our family's legacy of involvement with the United States Blind Golf Association for a third generation. As you have listened to these brief stories of these extraordinary people who just happen to have chosen to play this game called golf. I ask God to empower your lives in the same way that he has empowered these people around you. Now you know why your mommy's favorite Bible verse is II Corinthians 5:7 NIV, "We live by faith, not by sight."
Led by your example, involvement with the United States Blind Golf Association is for me a family event. Even though my daddy passed away in 1999 and is now playing on a heavenly course, instead of an earthly one, my whole family, my husband, children, mother and brother included, were involved in this event. They prepared information for me, kept the encouragement coming, and coached me through this week. None of us can go without being coached, if we try, our play is certainly out of alignment. I am grateful I have them, just as my father did before me.
Thank you. Thank you for your willingness to be an example for others. Thank you for your courage, your tenacity, your integrity, your generosity, your work ethic, and believe it or not your vision. The things in my life I have truly seen clearly I have seen because of the view I had through the eyes of my father; eyes that were just like yours. For me that view has made all the difference. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." You all are the living embodiment of this verse and I will for the rest of my life be grateful to you for teaching it to me
SKUTTLE-PUTT
On August 9, JOE NESSINGER, using a 9 wood, had a HOLE-IN-ONE on the 148 yard 4th hole at Orange Tree Golf Resort Course. Congratulations, Joe, on your first hole in one.
HEALTH OF THE SHIFLEY’S: BOB finished the last week of his Chemotherapy for cancer on December 7. He faired well throughout, even though he has felt tired. VERENA had hip replacement surgery on December 8 and is rehabbing. Continued prayers are needed for their improved health and we hope to see them back golfing in 2004. Bob is now back to hitting balls at the practice range.
CLAUDE PATTEMORE, one of our senior members, and 1963 National Champion is having serious health problems. All the members wish him well.
On December 1, NICK GENOVESE had quadruple bypass heart surgery for coronary artery blockage. His recovery after surgery was good and recently started a rehab program. He should be playing golf again in May and is planning to attend the Nationals in Ft. Lauderdale.
JOHN STRAND, who joined the USBGA in 1991 from Rainier, Washington, died from cardiac arrest on September 25, after his dialysis treatment. He was 54.
NOTE ON TOURNAMENTS: Many of the tournament directors have become frustrated with the number of players indicating their interest in playing in a USBGA event and then dropping out at the last minute. The tournament organizers usually plan on 18-20 players in each regional tournament on a first come first serve basis and then start a waiting list. In the past, typically 3-4 players drop out of the field, but the number was even greater in Florida last year (almost 40%.) Members need to do a better job of scheduling and committing to tournaments.
VISION IMPAIRED PATCHES
The long awaited patch for the vision-impaired members has arrived. All B2 and B3 vision impaired members who have played in a National Championship / Open will receive a patch in the near future.
THAT’S ALL FOLKS!