Four-time American Blind Golf Champion, Mario Tobia, practices his swing in his backyard in Mt. Laurel Township, N.J., on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Tobias complete blindness was brought about by a degenerative condition called retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that changes how the retina reacts to light as it slowly and progressively deteriorates.
UPDATE: The excitement is palpable as the 79th United States Blind Golf Association (USBGA) Championship unfolds today at Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale, Minnesota. This annual event showcases the incredible talent and resilience of blind golfers, including legends like Jeremy Poincenot, a nine-time champion who defied the odds after losing his sight at just 19.
Poincenot, now 35 and hailing from Carlsbad, California, reflects on his challenging journey. Diagnosed with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, he initially struggled to accept his new reality. “I thought it was a sick joke,” he recalls about receiving a new set of golf clubs just before his vision loss. However, after hitting a few shots at the driving range, he rediscovered his love for the sport.
The competition today honors the legacy of golfers like Duluth businessman Clint Russell, who won the inaugural championship in 1946. USBGA President Bob Banks, himself a competitor, lost his sight in his mid-50s but found inspiration through a YouTube video of a blind golfer, which reignited his passion for the game. “I tossed my clubs in the trash, but I realized I could still play,” Banks stated, showcasing the determination shared across this community.
Golfers compete in three sight classifications: B1 (no vision), B2 (little usable vision), and B3 (better usable vision). Each player is paired with a coach or guide who provides critical information about the course layout and shot alignment, ensuring that they can execute their swings effectively. For Poincenot, this guide is his father, Lionel, who has adapted to his unique role. “He’s had to learn a whole new language to become a guide,” Poincenot notes.
Among the competitors is Jake Olson, a trailblazer in both golf and football. At just 28, Olson became the first fully blind athlete to play in a Division I college football game. He credits his father with his success in golf and life. “The effort, the time, the commitment — he’s the reason I’m the golfer I am today,” Olson emphasizes, demonstrating the powerful bond between parent and child.
Meanwhile, Mario Tobia, a 70-year-old champion from South Jersey, began playing golf after losing his sight to retinitis pigmentosa at 40. “Golf is one of the few sports I could still play as a blind person,” he shares. His son, Michael, guides him on the course, allowing them to share precious moments together. “I couldn’t even walk on the golf course without him,” Tobia admits.
As the championship progresses, the energy is electrifying. The blind golfers, like their sighted counterparts, are in relentless pursuit of the perfect shot. “Golf is brutal. Borderline cruel,” Olson admits, highlighting the emotional challenges they face. However, it is this very struggle that fosters a strong community among competitors, where each victory is celebrated as a remarkable achievement.
Players are not just competing for trophies; they are also breaking barriers and inspiring others with disabilities. “You don’t have to see it to tee it,” Banks proclaims, encapsulating the spirit of the USBGA community.
With the championship in full swing, the world watches as these extraordinary athletes demonstrate that vision is not just about sight but about passion, perseverance, and the love of the game. Follow the latest updates as they unfold during this inspiring event, highlighting human resilience in the face of adversity.
