2nd United States Disabled Open Golf Championship Set for Independence Golf Club (VA)

(RELEASE) - The 2nd United States Disabled Golf Association Open Championship will be held May 14-16, 2019, at Independence Golf Club in Richmond, Va., with the event open to all golfers with physical and intellectual impairments.

Impairment definitions can be found at http://www.usdga.net/qualifications/​ which is used in tournaments across Europe for amputees, the blind, wounded veterans, stroke survivors, and those with Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and others.

The U.S. Disabled Golf Association was founded by Jason Faircloth, a golfer with Cerebral Palsy who played in the Disabled British Open in 2011 and 2012. The USDGA hosted its inaugural tournament in Orlando, Florida in 2018, and had 48 participants.

“We are confident that the 2019 United States Disabled Open Golf Championship at Independence Golf Club will set a new standard for the USDGA, and we’d love to double the number of participants,” Faircloth said. “Independence Golf Club will be a challenging and exciting course for the nation’s top adaptive golfers.”

To participate, golfers must have a valid GHIN or CONGU golf handicap index of 30 or below that is current by May 2, 2019, to compete in the Net competition category of the tournament. Seated Golfers will be play with modified rules. Categories are based on golfer ability. Play will be flighted into three divisions and awards given to the top three finishers in the Gross and Net categories.

Check-in occurs the morning of May 14, with an afternoon practice round, followed by the Opening Banquet. The tournament rounds will be played on May 15-16, with an Awards Banquet to begin at 6 pm after the final round. The entry fee is $250 ($5 off if paying by cash or check to: USDGA, 598 Dixie Rd, Clinton, NC 28328).

“Independence Golf Club is excited to partner with Richmond Region Tourism and 288 Sports to host the 2019 United States Disabled Open Golf Championship,” said Giff Breed, president of Independence Golf Club. “We’re excited to welcome incredible golfers of all abilities. At Independence, we strive to be so much more than a golf club, and we look forward to showcasing the friendly grounds of the Club to all athletes, spectators and volunteers.”

“We are very excited USDGA has chosen Independence Golf Course,” said David Williams, who represents District 1 on the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors. “We have a world-class golf course here in Powhatan County, and we are always happy when people choose to come here.”

J.C. Poma, sports development manager for Richmond Region Tourism, added: “The Richmond Region serves as a host destination for all types of sporting events showcasing the talents of athletes with all abilities. The 2019 United States Disabled Open Golf Championship further shows that the Richmond Region truly is a sports community for all.”

Tournament spectator attendance is free and open to the public. Organizers currently are seeking volunteers and sponsors to support the event. For more information or to sign up for the Open Championship, visit http://www.usdga.net/