IBGA EVENT - RESULTS

Queenslander Hain secures a win at the 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Blind Golf Open

The picturesque Emerald Lakes Golf Course on the Gold Coast, Queensland was the chosen venue for this year's ISPS Handa Australian Blind Golf Open. The tournament took place on Thursday, August 1st, and Friday, August 2nd.

30 participants from various regions across Australia attended the event, yet only 29 completed the tournament as one participant withdrew late due to illness. The golf course, while challenging did offer generous greens and wide fairways making it very suitable for our blind and vision impaired golfers. The weather was a bit windy at times, but overall, it was perfect, with temperatures reaching a high of 20 degrees. These ideal conditions made for two delightful days of golf.

B3 golfer Jamie Hain, from Logan, Queensland teamed up with his devoted caddie Mark Tookey and played off a handicap of 24 for the Australian Open. Even in challenging circumstances and against fierce competition, Hain stood out by scoring an impressive Net total of 152 and a Gross total of 200 over two rounds. His exceptional achievement earned him the titles of Overall Net Winner Champion and B3 Net Winner Champion.

Hain was born with Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare disease, which was not diagnosed until he was 28. Despite gradually losing his eyesight, he has been actively involved in Blind Golf for the last four years where he enjoys playing golf weekly at various golf clubs across the Gold Coast, Queensland. Hain's engagement in Blind Golf has significantly benefited his mental health and allowed him to connect with new, like-minded individuals.

A big thank you to the International Blind Golf Association and ISPS Handa for sponsoring this event. Blind Golf Australia also extends its gratitude to Emerald Lakes Golf Course for hosting the tournament, as well as to the dedicated caddies, officials and volunteers. Their combined efforts were instrumental in enabling the players to engage in and enjoy blind golf at the successful 2024 ISPS Handa Blind Golf Australian Open.

If you feel inspired by this article to learn more about Blind Golf in Australia or wish to participate as a player, caddie, or sponsor, please explore our website at www.blindgolf.com.au, visit our Facebook Page Blind Golf Australia, or reach out via email at secbga@gmail.com for additional details.

RESULTS

• Overall Net Winner: Jamie Hain (QLD)

• Overall Gross Winner: Andrew Wells (QLD)

• Stableford Winner: John Hayward (NSW)

• Stableford Runner Up: Cameron Reid (WA)

Sight Category Winners

• B1 Net Winner: Glenn Niciejewski (WA)

• B1 Net Winner Runner Up: Doug Sloan (VIC)

• B1 Gross Winner: Glenn Niciejewski (WA)

• B2 Net Winner: Darren Solly (QLD)

• B2 Net Winner Runner Up: James Atkin (VIC)

• B2 Gross Winner: Darren Solly (QLD)

• B3 Net Winner: Jamie Hain (QLD)

• B3 Net Winner Runner Up: Tony Telfer (NSW)

• B3 Gross Winner: Andrew Wells (QLD)

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