BLIND golfers from around the world gathered at the Greens at Renton golf course for three competitions last week: Ontario Provincials, Canadian Open, and International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) World Championship.
“These events brought to Simcoe approximately 70 blind golfers plus their guides—approximately 140 people—from countries around the world including Canada, Austria, Israel, Spain, Australia, Norway, just to name a few countries,” said Joan Lang, Blind Golf Canada event volunteer.
According to Blind Golf Canada, “Blind golf is played by golfers who are totally blind or partially sighted—no matter age or gender. They embrace the challenge and become part of a very unique community.”
Blind golf follows the rules set out by the USGA, RCGA, and the R&A with a few exceptions: blind golfers must have a sight guide; guides can stand behind players to help them set-up on the tee, address the ball and line them up throughout each golf shot; and golfers can ground their golf clubs in hazards on the golf course.
Golfers compete in three classifications based on visual acuity. B1 golfers have no light perception, B2 golfers have about five per cent vision, and B3 golfers have about 10 per cent vision.
Jacob Detmar of Brantford, 20, is a B2 blind golfer. Ms. Lang said that Mr. Detmar “became involved with blind golf as a volunteer in 2022 when the Ontario Provincials and Canadians were held in Simcoe.”
“He was invited into a practice round and got a hole-in-one! Jacob stayed with the sport which is great!” she said.
Hugh Montgomery of Simcoe is a B3 player. He is also the tournament chairperson, vice president of Ontario Blind Golf, a board member of Blind Golf Canada and has recently been appointed to the International Blind Golf Association.
Ms. Lang said that he is “obviously passionate about blind golf!”
Ms. Lang mentioned the importance of volunteers at large events such as this. “Around 30 to 40 volunteers [assisted] with various duties such as being forecaddies on the golf course, helping out with onsite registration duties, and miscellaneous needs—events like these cannot happen without volunteers.”
The competitions ran consecutively from August 1 to 8, presented by Blind Golf Canada with support from International Blind Golf Association. For more information, visit blindgolfcanada.ca.
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Originally published August 13, 2025
