Golf is a great game enjoyed by many, but not everyone realizes that blind and low vision individuals can also participate in and excel at the sport. The Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) has been empowering blind and low vision golfers since 1948, proving that anyone, regardless of vision, can enjoy this challenging and rewarding game.
The History of the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association
In 1948, four blind individuals from the Philadelphia area who enjoyed playing golf came together to form the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association. Today, over 70 years later, the organization boasts over 115 blind and visually impaired members, along with sighted coaches who assist with estimating distances and identifying hazards such as sand traps and water. When the organization began, they held only a few outings. Now, MABGA organizes 30 to 40 outings every year in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey area, including its annual Joe Casey Pro-Am Tournament and fundraising events.
The organization has also evolved, now having both male and female members and coaches, compared to its early days when only men were involved.
How Do Blind and Low Vision Golfers Play?
When a sighted individual learns that a blind person is playing golf, they often wonder how such a challenging game can be played without sight. Blind golfers are paired with sighted coaches, who assist in a variety of ways, including determining the distance for a shot, selecting the appropriate club, lining up the ball, and finding it after a shot.
Many blind golfers also use nonvisual techniques, such as placing tactile distinguishing tape on their clubs. For example, MABGA President Mario Tobia uses different types of tape on his clubs to differentiate between woods, irons, and wedges. This method allows blind golfers to independently identify their clubs. Despite these challenges, some blind golfers can take better swings than their sighted peers!
The MABGA Junior Golf Program
The MABGA Junior Golf Program has played a critical role in introducing blind and low vision children to the sport of golf. The program, which is available to children ages 5 through 21 in the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware areas, offers free golf clinics and lessons from professional golfers. MABGA also pairs junior golfers with local golf pros for free lessons at their local courses.
When I first got involved with the Junior Blind Golf program in 2001, I attended the spring golf clinic at the Overbrook School for the Blind. At that clinic, I had to overcome the challenge of hitting short swings since the course had very short holes! The program has grown significantly over the years. In 2009, there were about 20 to 30 participants. Today, the program serves 78 participants and has expanded to six to seven locations in the Philadelphia area, along with a new group in northern New Jersey.
MABGA’s Legacy of Inclusivity and Growth
The MABGA Junior Golf program was founded by Norman Kritz, who left a lasting legacy by building two golf courses for blind students: the Robert Allman Memorial Golf Course at the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia (opened in 1996) and the Kritz Links at the New York Institute for Special Education in Bronx, NY (opened in 2021). These courses provide blind golfers with dedicated, accessible spaces to practice and improve their skills.
How to Become a Member of MABGA
Blind and low vision individuals interested in joining the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association can submit a membership application. After approval by the Membership Committee, members are considered provisional until voted in as full members during the annual Fall General Meeting. Once approved, members are required to pay annual membership dues, which grants access to all MABGA outings throughout the year.
MABGA’s Annual Fundraising Tournament
One of MABGA’s key events is the annual fundraising tournament, which raises essential funds for the organization’s programs. This year’s tournament is scheduled for August 25th at Philmont Country Club in Huntingdon Valley, PA. The registration cost for general participants is $250 per person, which includes brunch, 18 holes of golf, cocktail hour, and dinner. Special reduced rates are available for MABGA members and their coaches.
The tournament is the organization’s primary fundraising vehicle, supporting the continuation of its golf clinics, programs, and events. Additional details and registration information can be found on the MABGA website at www.mabga.org/annual-tournament.
Get Involved with MABGA
The Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association is always welcoming new members and supporters. Whether you are a blind or low vision golfer, a sighted coach, or someone who simply wants to support the organization, there are numerous ways to get involved. For more information, contact MABGA at info@mabga.org or 215-745-2323. You can also watch their promotional video on YouTube or visit their official website at www.mabga.org for more details.