Adaptive Golf News
Another first for the University of Arizona
The University of Arizona (UArizona) Adaptive Athletics Program continues to challenge the status quo with the addition of the first collegiate adaptive golf program in the U.S. “We have over a 40-year history [of adaptive sports] here at UArizona and now we are trying to expand our reach even more,” said Peter Hughes, UArizona Adaptive Athletics Director. Golf is a popular sport in Tucson, Arizona due to the weather and cost of living. Although Hughes didn’t know much about adaptive golf, he recognized the sport was popular in Tucson and catered to visually-impaired athletes. “We haven’t had adaptive sports for many, many years regarding visually impaired individuals,” said Hughes. “There are a lot of golfers and golf events in Southern Arizona, including the U.S. Blind Golf Association Open in Green Valley. I felt like our program should be furthering this cause. ”In collaboration with local golf simulator business, TeeItUp Enterprises, UArizona’s adaptive golf program was launched in September 2019. Jon Moore, co-founder of TeeItUp and Executive Director of TIU4ALL, sparked an initial conversation with Hughes about adaptive sports on an airline flight seven years ago. Four years later, Moore’s son, Christopher Schmidt, lost his vision and stumbled upon the U.S. Blind Golf Association. When Moore’s son started competing in tournaments throughout the country, a fire was ignited within the pair to increase participation in adaptive golf.
Moore remembered his conversation with Hughes several years prior and gave him a call to pitch the idea of starting a program at UArizona. Golf marks the seventh sport added to UArizona’s Adaptive Athletics program.
Other original team members such as Jesse Williamson and Christopher Schmidt, as well as other adaptive golfers, will be featured in future posts on our blog. Each has a unique story to tell and are indicative of what adaptive golf holds for the development of adaptive sports and the growth of the sport of golf.
With the addition of adaptive golf at UArizona, Moore and Hughes plan to help other universities across the West Coast develop programs of their own. “We’ve got proposals on the table right now with four major universities on the West Coast, and it’s our intention to set up a western adaptive golf conference,” said Moore. Moore also indicated that the concept could soon make its way to the Midwest and Southeast US with the intention of one day creating a national conference.
“The more people we can have playing golf, the better it is for our game. The more things we can do to reduce barriers to entry regardless if it’s finances, access to courses or disability, it’s a great thing for everyone who plays golf,” said Jim Anderson, head coach for UArizona men’s golf team. “I think what the adaptive athletics program is doing is pioneering another opportunity for a market of golfers to exist and hopefully figure out a way to provide people with an opportunity or at least attract people to the University of Arizona thanks to this program.”
Update on the TIU Shootout
Important TIU Shootout 2020 Update
For Immediate Release
To All TIU Shootout 2020 Participants, Sponsors and Vendors
Everyone:
As you all are aware, we are once again facing a worldwide health issue that is having drastic effects on every person, every industry, and every segment of life. Whether you feel that this issue has been sensationalized, politicized, blown out of proportion by the media or that it is truly a pandemic of epic proportions, the fact remains, this is a serious situation.
It is our belief at TIU, that while we haven’t been effected here in Southern Arizona like many others world wide, it is only right that we treat the situation with the respect and caution that it deserves. We therefore have decided to postpone the April 25th 2020 TIU Shootout at Sewailo (golf tournament benefitting the UArizona Adaptive Golf Program). We are currently looking at dates in May and beyond that will not be in conflict with other planned events however, we will evaluate the ongoing health issues on a weekly basis and will confirm dates when we feel we have a better handle on when it will be safe to conduct the benefit. At this time, we don’t anticipate having to cancel the event, but we do want to state that while this would be a highly unlikely scenario, it is out there as an option should conditions at that time dictate such an action. If we err, it will be on the side of caution. We will be opening more tee times, sponsorship opportunities and other ways you can assist in making this community effort for adaptive sports a success. We will be updating the website at http://www.tiushootout2020.com on a weekly basis with benefit information as well as well as tips to keep your game sharp while we weather this storm, so bookmark the page to stay informed as we move forward. Also, please feel free to share with your friends who would like to get involved in a worthwhile community effort to assist Adaptive Golf in Tucson.
Finally, we would like to thank the support team at UArizona, our sponsors, and the tournament committee. Without your help, this great event would not be possible.
Sincerely,
Jon Moore
jon@tiu4all.org
Direct: (702) 290-4266
Conference: (585) 632-4198 Pin: 52410#
TeeItUp Enterprises LLC
Reminiscing on years past in Blind Golf
Presentation to Chad NeSmith for first place B1 National champion.
First year UArizona Adaptive Golfers make an impact in their first year of competition.
In the first adaptive golf event of the year, the USAGA Paralympic International, Jesse Williamson, Danny Acosta, and Chris Schmidt represented the UArizona Adaptive Golf Program as champs. Jesse/Danny played well and showed the perseverance that personifies this program. Chris did not play due to the fact he was assisting in the running of the tournament as a representative of TIUTP, who was responsible for producing the tournament. This was but the first of many competitions that the team will compete in as we continue to grow the program. Below is a video of the tournament as well as some select shots of the competitors.