"Blind Golf" Journey to the Worlds
Donation protected
Kiefer Jones
You Can Still Play - Motto of the Blind Golf Canada
When I was 16 years old, an upper respiratory virus attacked my optic nerves. I was diagnosed with Bi-lateral Optic Neuritis and was declared "legally blind". I was born and raised on a golf course and started golfing when I was 2 years of age.
Following my diagnosis, I stopped all sports, and decided to work on adjusting to my new way of life. With determination and assistance from a CNIB Vision Strategist, I graduated from high school and in my 20's decided to return to sports. I returned to golf as well as joined the "Seeing Ice Dogs" hockey team.
I then decided that I wanted to become a teaching Golf Pro. I passed my PGA Playing Ability Test (a true feat in itself), but later determined that it may be a difficult career to pursue because of my disability. So I transferred careers to a Turf Care Management Specialist. I am currently employed at the Winston Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta.
In July 2017, I decided to make the most of this disability, joined the Blind Golf Canada and competed in my first tournament in Warman, Saskatchewan. The tournament was based on a net Stableford scoring system. My handicap rating is registered as a 7 and on the first day of tournament, I shot a "4 under par" gross. On the second day of tournament, I shot a "5 over par", and ended up coming in second and low gross for the entire tournament
In August 2017, I competed in the Canadian Blind Golf Open in Hamilton, Ontario, placed first in my sight category and low gross overall. I think you can tell by now that “golfing” is truly my passion.
In October 2017, I was able to attend two tournaments in Australia, in order for me to qualify for the Worlds in Rome, Italy 2018. I won low gross in both tournaments, the putting championship in additional to numerous "closest to the pins" and "long drives. Needless to say, it was a successful trip and we are grateful to have met so many new friends.
Thank you so much for the support that has been provided to enable me to "live my dream".
And yes, no matter what your disability, if you are passionate,
"YOU CAN STILL SUCCEED"!
You Can Still Play - Motto of the Blind Golf Canada
When I was 16 years old, an upper respiratory virus attacked my optic nerves. I was diagnosed with Bi-lateral Optic Neuritis and was declared "legally blind". I was born and raised on a golf course and started golfing when I was 2 years of age.
Following my diagnosis, I stopped all sports, and decided to work on adjusting to my new way of life. With determination and assistance from a CNIB Vision Strategist, I graduated from high school and in my 20's decided to return to sports. I returned to golf as well as joined the "Seeing Ice Dogs" hockey team.
I then decided that I wanted to become a teaching Golf Pro. I passed my PGA Playing Ability Test (a true feat in itself), but later determined that it may be a difficult career to pursue because of my disability. So I transferred careers to a Turf Care Management Specialist. I am currently employed at the Winston Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta.
In July 2017, I decided to make the most of this disability, joined the Blind Golf Canada and competed in my first tournament in Warman, Saskatchewan. The tournament was based on a net Stableford scoring system. My handicap rating is registered as a 7 and on the first day of tournament, I shot a "4 under par" gross. On the second day of tournament, I shot a "5 over par", and ended up coming in second and low gross for the entire tournament
In August 2017, I competed in the Canadian Blind Golf Open in Hamilton, Ontario, placed first in my sight category and low gross overall. I think you can tell by now that “golfing” is truly my passion.
In October 2017, I was able to attend two tournaments in Australia, in order for me to qualify for the Worlds in Rome, Italy 2018. I won low gross in both tournaments, the putting championship in additional to numerous "closest to the pins" and "long drives. Needless to say, it was a successful trip and we are grateful to have met so many new friends.
Thank you so much for the support that has been provided to enable me to "live my dream".
And yes, no matter what your disability, if you are passionate,
"YOU CAN STILL SUCCEED"!
Organizer
Deborah Frey
Organizer
Calgary, AB
