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About IBGA
The first record of a blind man playing golf dates back to 1924 in Duluth, Minnesota. Clint Russell lost his eyesight in an accident but continued to play golf. In 1930 it is recorded he shot a brilliant 84 for 18 holes. It is known that others played and in the early 1950s blind golf associations were established in Canada and the USA. Later, in the 1980s organisations were set up in the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia.
In 1998 the IBGA was formed to set conditions, sanction and provide funding for international open blind golf events. Prior to 1998 national associations had organised regular open championships and each time these received substantial funding from a Japanese business man Dr Haruhisa Handa.
Dr Handa and ISPS
Dr Handa had been inspired when playing golf with a blind golfer in Australia.
He felt it would be better if instead of him dealing with applications for funding a body representing all the national associations should take on this role. In 1997 representatives from six countries met in Perth, Western Australia, to draw up a Constitution and Handicap Scheme for such an organisation.
These were agreed in 1998 at the World Blind Golf Championships held in Florida, USA and the International Blind Golf Association was born.
Dr Handa, HONORARY PRESIDENT, continues to provide financial support to the IBGA and through it to competitions around the world. Each year six or seven national open championships take place and every two years the World Blind Golf Championships are held.
The most recent took place at Milnerton Golf Club, Cape Town, South Africa in 2023 and in 2025 this tournament will be staged in August 2025 at The Greens at Renton, Simcoe, Ontario, Canada.
IBGA Countries
Currently in the 19 MEMBER NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS there are over 400 registered blind golfers. In addition there are individual associate members from a further 4 countries.
The IBGA would like to see these numbers grow and is also involved in a bid to introduce disabled or paragolf into the Paralympics in the future.
IBGA RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENTS
Women in Golf Forum
The International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) is also excited to announce that its new Growth and Marketing committee is developing a WOMEN IN GOLF FORUM. This will create a fantastic platform for blind and visually impaired ladies involved in (or interested in becoming involved in) golf to come together and chat via regular Zoom meetings.
2023 IBGA Board Meeting and Decisions Update
The annual Board meeting summary is available with some of the key decisons involving the election of board members, the dates of the 2025 ISPS Handa Canadian Open and IBGA World Championships and Constitution adjustments.
The document can be requested from the committee.
IBGA Constitution 2023
The IBGA Constitution 2023 version is available and can be requested from the committee.
CONTACT US FOR IBGA CONSTITUTION 2023
2023 IBGA Chairmans Report
The 2023 Chairmans Report is available and can be requested from the committee.
CONTACT US FOR CHAIRMANS REPORT
IBGA Sight Classification - Trial
The issue of the possible extension of the definition of eligible sight loss for access to IBGA-sponsored events was discussed at the 2023 Biennial Meeting.
The report document is available and can be requested from the committee.
CONTACT US FOR SIGHT CLASSIFICATION TRIAL DOCUMENT
As you move through the pages of this web site you will find information about the sport and those who play it. You will also find contact information where you can learn more about blind golf and hopefully become involved yourself. If you know someone who may be interested, please let them know about this website.
International Blind Golf Association
Join Us And Enjoy Participating In Blind Golf
• e-Mail: office@internationalblindgolf.com •
