Canada Defeats U.S.A. In Blind Golf Competition

The McCulloch Memorial Cup is named in honour of Denny McCulloch, a visually impaired golfer from Canada who lost his battle with cancer in 2006, The tournament pits 10 of the top visually impaired golfers from Canada against their counterparts from the United States,.

"It was rather special to go across and beat the Americans in their own back yard," said Canadian representative Jim Gales, a 46-year-old disabled golfer competing in his 50th international competition.

Gales hadn't played golf until his sight deteriorated and only then took up the challenges of the game. He has since competed around the world in Japan, Australia and Canada and won titles including the Scottish, British and Canadian Opens and has Captained and lead three Ryder Cup style teams to victories.

The event, hosted by the Rittman Lions and supported by many, including Titleist, took place at Ridge Top Golf Course in Montville Township June 24-27.

Aside from showcasing the talents of the golfers, the tournament raised money for sight-related causes, particularly adaptive technology scholarships for those who are unable to see and need such assistance for school or work and donated monies raised to The Foundation Fighting Blindness. After the tournament five scholarships were presented, totaling over $5,000, one of which went to an eight year old who recently won the World Braille Challenge in Los Angeles

The trophy now returns to Canada for a 2011 staging. The two teams of blind golfers, accompanied by their sighted guides, were :

Team Canada
Brian MacLeod (Captain), Glenn Babcock, Bruno Boucher, Jim Gales, Rick Kush, Tim Nolan, Doug Penner, Doug Stoutley, George Thirkill & Mike Vrooman.

Team USA
Mark Arnold (Captain), Charlie Adams, Ron Derry, Brad Eaton, Kevin Edwards, Harry Hester, Bruce Hooper, Joe Hojnicki, Tim Jackson & Ron Murner.

For more information visit Ohio Blind Golf