World's Best Blind Golfers Set to Compete

The 2002 World Blind Golf Championships are ready to Go In Winnipeg. 60 of the best players in the world will tackle Niakwa Country Club.

WORLD BLIND GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS PROMISE
ACTION AND ENTERTAINMENT

World Class Action on Tap

WINNIPEG MB--Winnipeg takes center stage this week in the blind golf world as the best players on the planet converge on Niakwa Country Club August 20 and 21 to compete for the world championships.

Sanctioned by the International Blind Golf Association, this event is held every two years. This marks the first time it has been held in Canada.

Were excited about this tournament and want to put on a good show for the golfers and the fans," said event chair Dennis McCulloch, who has also qualified to play. The competitors may have limited sight, but it doesnt prevent them from competing at a world-class level. They all work hard to qualify for this event every two years."

McCulloch is one of 16 Canadians scheduled to compete. A total of 57 golfers have registered, all of whom needed to qualify in their home country. Other countries represented include the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Germany, Australia and Japan.

Fundraising for the event has been designed to create a legacy fund to support blind golf throughout Canada. The fund will be administered by Manitoba Blind Sport and be used to run golf clinics and other educational programs.

Blind golf follows the Rules of Golf with two exceptions-the golfers coach or caddie is permitted to assist in alignment and golfers are permitted to ground their club in a hazard.

Its taken almost two years of preparation, but were ready for this major tournament," said McCulloch. Our volunteer organizing committee has been working hard to ensure all the details have been looked after and theyve done a terrific job. We could not have put on this event without all their work as well as the support of our sponsors and other volunteers."

The tournament is held over two days-Tuesday and Wednesday. Golfers will play a practice round along with sponsors on Monday. All activity occurs at Niakwa.

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