Hamilton to host the 2017 Canadian Open Blind Golf Championship
Hamilton, ON - August 10, 2017 - On August 14, 15 and 16, the City of Hamilton and the Ontario Visually Impaired Golfers (OVIG) will host the ISPS HANDA 2017 Canadian Open Blind Golf Championship. The tournament will be held at the King’s Forest Golf Club in Hamilton. This is the first time that this tournament has come to Hamilton, but it will return every six years. The championship will continue to attract the best blind and visually impaired golfers from across Canada and around the world.
“I am pleased that the 2017 Canadian Blind Golf Tournament will be held at our beautiful King’s Forest Golf Club. This long-standing, world class event continues to encourage blind and visually impaired residents to take up the game of golf.” - Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton
Players compete based on sight category, ranging from less than 10% visual acuity (legally blind) to completely blind. The format for the three-day tournament is a practice round, followed by two days of stroke play competition. The field includes 31 blind and visually-impaired golfers assisted by their sighted guides. Start times will be between 10:30 am and 1 pm on all three days.
In addition to the Canadian Open tournament, OVIG is hosting an inaugural Claude Pattemore Charity Scramble event. The event will be held on August 17 at the Chedoke Golf Club. The club is the home course of the only blind golfer currently in the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, Claude Pattemore.
“Hamilton has long been a supporter of blind golf and King’s Forest is the perfect venue to hold this tournament. Hamilton has been the home of some of the most successful blind golfers and to hold this annual event in Hamilton for the first time is historic.” - Chad Collins, Councillor
Quick facts
- Blind golf is played according to the rules of golf with very few modifications
- Each golfer is assisted by a sighted guide or coach
- Organized blind golf has existed in Canada since the 1950’s
- This is the 20th year for the Canadian Open Blind Golf Championship
- OVIG was created in 1990. Their mandate is to provide golf instruction and opportunities to blind and visually impaired people who want to take up or return to the game
- There are several regional blind golf groups in Canada and competition is overseen by Blind Golf Canada
“My sincere thanks to the City of Hamilton and the staff at Kings Forest and Chedoke for their support of this tournament and blind golf in general. I look forward to working together in the years ahead to demonstrate the accessibility of golf, attract new players and showcase the skills of some truly amazing people.” - Glenn Babcock, President, Ontario Visually Impaired Golfers
Additional Resource