Ontario Blind Golf (OBG) – Vision not Required
Ontario Blind Golf is a blind and vision impaired sports organization that is about promoting integrity and sportsmanship, socialization and relationship building, helping our members and the blind and vision impaired community have the confidence, and perseverance to achieve whatever they want to. Golf is a wonder-filled sport, and as an organization, we welcome blind golfers of all ages, whether recreational or competitive players. OBG believes in leveraging the transformative potential of sports to bring about positive social change and enhance the opportunities blind and visually impaired golfers that are made available.
Blind golf is played just like any golf, except the blind and vision impaired golfers work with a coach who helps them get into position, tracks shots and helps the golfer on and off the course. There are three sight categories, ranging from the ever-inspirational B1 blind golfer with 0% vision, B2 blind golfers with 0-5% of their vision, and B3 blind golfers with 5-10% of their vision. OBG is also working on including B4 golfers, which is currently an experimental category for vision up to 25%.
Getting a chance to reach out to the Ontario blind and vision impaired communities, thanks to the CNIB, and the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group (OSEG), OBG is in a position to welcome more members. Just as important are the coaches and volunteers that help make all of this possible. If you are interested in coming out, we are interested in hearing from you. We are always looking for other corporate partnerships that can appreciate the opportunity to work with OBG, tell our stories, increase our membership, and grow our event offerings across Ontario.
OBG is more focused than ever on our Ladies of Blind Golf and our Youth Initiative. OBG believes in establishing a welcoming and inclusive environment that embraces the diversity of blind and visually impaired females and youth. Our goal is to be truly representative of the demographics across Ontario. Sport is an important part of personal growth, and it can actively break down the discriminatory barriers that prevent blind and vision impaired persons from participating and accessing it.
Ontario Blind Golf heavily subsidizes play and events for all members and ensures that financial constraints do not hinder participation. OBG is committed to inclusion, and diversity, and providing a sense of belonging and importance among all blind and vision impaired golfers.
Our first event for 2024 is at Victoria Park Valley, Guelph on Saturday, May 11. Our second event is Saturday, June 8 at The Greens at Renton in Simcoe. Please visit the OBG Events page for more information about our other events for this coming season, including our Provincial Championship being held at the Mapleview Golf & Country club in Perth, Ontario.
For more general information and forms please visit OntarioBlindGolf.ca. Please direct any membership questions to Deanna and Brian Morgan at bmorgs62@gmail.com. For any corporate partner introductions and opportunities please reach out to Kostantino Beltsis, or Kevin Frost at info@ontarioblindgolf.ca.
OBG – Youth Initiative and Ladies of Blind Golf
Blind golf is a remarkable and inclusive sport that transcends the boundaries of visual limitations. Ontario Blind Golf, an organization dedicated to promoting integrity, sportsmanship, and relationship building, is at the forefront of this movement. OBG believes in empowering our members and the blind and vision impaired community to achieve their aspirations by fostering confidence and perseverance.
Golf has the potential to create awe-inspiring experiences, and we at Ontario Blind Golf warmly welcome players of all ages, skill levels, and ambitions, from casual enthusiasts to competitive athletes. Our ultimate goal is to utilize the power of sports to drive positive social change and expand opportunities for blind and visually impaired golfers.
In partnership with the CNIB, the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group (OSEG) and local communities and golf organizations in the capital region of Ottawa, and across Ontario, our programs aim to provide disadvantaged blind youth and female blind golfers with unique opportunities to discover and excel in the sport of golf. Through a series of year-long events, including driving range sessions, simulator experiences, and on-course play, participants will have the chance to learn, develop, and foster a love for golf in a supportive and inclusive environment. We recognize the importance of collaboration and are committed to working with organizations that share our values and vision for youth, particularly in girl-centered and low-income communities.
There will be 4 events that will be held at the Pine View Golf course, and Mapleview Golf & Country club in the Ottawa area. With additional support and secured funding, we hope to be able to offer off-season events as well. The number of participants will be based on resources, and facility availability.
Each initiative will include empathetic, seasoned blind athletes and instructors like Kevin Frost, a world-champion, and Paralympic athlete across five sports, including multiple world records and countless golds, will serve as mentors to local blind youth year-round. This program will not only help develop the skills and confidence of young athletes in blind sports but also foster leadership qualities and personal growth. Youth will be able to meet real blind athletes, who are leaders that care and want to help.
For each date, OBG will host a clinic with instruction for both new or previous youth or female golfers. In addition to lessons, each event is expected to include practice time on the range or simulator, time actually golfing real golf holes, as well as a lunch, and post-event social time which will include recognition and a review of the upcoming events. OBG can help support youth and female golfers with certain expenses for certain scenarios. If the golfer or family need some support, we can help.
Most important, OBG wants to point out that youth, and female golfers from across Ontario are always welcome to come out to any event we are hosting.
For more general information and forms please visit OntarioBlindGolf.ca. Please direct any Ladies of Blind Golf questions to Deanna Morgan at bmorgs62@gmail.com. For any Youth Program questions please contact Kevin Frost at frostkevin67@gmail.com.