The Western Canadian Blind Golf Championships

⛳💙❤️💚💛 A BIG WCBGA SHOUT-OUT FROM THE 2026 CANADIAN OPEN! 🇨🇦⛳

WCBGA is proud to share the results from the 2026 ISPS HANDA Canadian Blind Golf Open in New Brunswick!

A special congratulations to two of our WCBGA members who came away as division champions!

🏆 Umesh Singh — B3 Gross & Net Champion

🏆 Kim Brown — Stableford Champion

Way to represent Western Canada, Umesh and Kim! 👏⛳ We’re incredibly proud to see our members competing and succeeding on the national stage.

Congratulations as well to all of the golfers and coaches who competed this week, and to Blind Golf Canada and everyone involved in putting on another great Canadian Open.

Well done, Umesh and Kim! 🏆🇨🇦

💙❤️💚💛 WCBGA
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⛳🇨🇦 CONGRATULATIONS FROM BLIND GOLF CANADA! 🇨🇦⛳

What a week at the 2026 ISPS HANDA Canadian Blind Golf Open at Hillsborough Golf Club in New Brunswick!

Mother Nature certainly made things interesting. Day 1 was interrupted by rain and shortened to just 12 holes, but our golfers and coaches adapted, came back ready to compete, and finished off a memorable Canadian Open.

A huge congratulations to our champions:

🏆 B3 Gross & Net Champion — Umesh Singh
🏆 B1 Gross & Net Champion — Ricardo Silva da Luna
🏆 Women’s Gross & Net Champion — Jan Dinsdale
🏆 Stableford Champion — Kim Brown

Congratulations as well to every golfer and coach who competed. Blind golf is about much more than the final score — it’s about competition, perseverance, friendship and bringing our blind golf community together.

A big thank-you to Hillsborough Golf Club, our volunteers, organizers, supporters and everyone who helped make the 2026 Canadian Open possible.

👏 Congratulations to all of our competitors and champions!

🇨🇦 Blind Golf Canada
⛳ We can still play!
🌐 BlindGolfCanada.ca

⛳ A SPECIAL WEEK IN MEADOW LAKE ⛳

Just over a week ago, Meadow Lake Golf Club welcomed 20 blind golfers and their coaches from across Canada for the Gerry, Chris & Friends Invitational, held August 17–19.

What started as an idea to bring friends together became something much bigger — a celebration of blind golf, friendship, community and generosity.

Longtime blind golfer Gerry Nelson, together with his coach and caddy Chris Villeneuve, invited players from across the country to Meadow Lake. With tremendous support from Chris’ brother Terrance Villeneuve, his wife Terry, the golf club, volunteers, sponsors and the entire Meadow Lake community, the event became one Gerry says he will never forget.

Gerry told Golf Saskatchewan:

“I don’t think there has been better days than I have experienced.”

A six-time Canadian champion and two-time top-five world finisher, Gerry has travelled the world competing in blind golf with Chris by his side. But bringing so many accomplished golfers together in Meadow Lake was especially meaningful.

The field included players from the East Coast to the West Coast, with nearly every golfer having previously won a tournament somewhere in Canada or internationally.

What made the event even more remarkable was the generosity shown to the participants. Once golfers reached Saskatoon or Meadow Lake, the community helped take care of virtually everything — including transportation, accommodations and meals.

Chris summed it up perfectly:

“It exceeded all expectations.”

Even a week later, golfers were still reaching out to say how much they enjoyed the experience, while members of the Meadow Lake community were sharing how much they enjoyed welcoming the blind golf community.

Unfortunately, Gerry was unable to compete both days while recovering from a rib injury, but that didn’t take away from what the week meant to him.

For Chris, hosting the tournament in his hometown was equally special.

“It’s a passion for us. Gerry has always been an inspiration, but to see 20 other players and coaches and get inspired by a group… it makes me a better person when I come home to my family and just my life in general.”

👏 WCBGA would like to congratulate Gerry, Chris, Terrance, Terry, Meadow Lake Golf Club, the volunteers, sponsors and the entire Meadow Lake community for putting together such an incredible event.

This is what blind golf is all about — competition, friendship, inclusion and people coming together to support one another.

💙⛳ Thank you, Meadow Lake, for giving our blind golf community a week they won’t soon forget.

🏆⛳ CONGRATULATIONS HUGH MONTGOMERY & LORI SMITH! ⛳🏆

A huge congratulations to Hugh Montgomery and Lori Smith, the recipients of the 2026 Brian MacLeod Award!

Presented each year during the ISPS HANDA Canadian Open, the Brian MacLeod Award honours the memory and legacy of a beloved friend, advocate and fellow blind golfer who made extraordinary contributions to blind golf in Canada and around the world.

Brian embodied everything that makes blind golf so special — friendship, camaraderie, perseverance and a commitment to helping others.

The award is presented to an individual who demonstrates leadership both on and off the golf course, the ability to overcome adversity and persevere, and a significant humanitarian contribution to blind golf in Canada and abroad.

This year, that recognition goes to Hugh Montgomery and Lori Smith, a golfer-and-coach team who exemplify the spirit of the award and the blind golf community.

👏 Congratulations Hugh Montgomery and Lori Smith on this very special and well-deserved honour!

Brian’s legacy continues through the people who carry forward the values he brought to the game. 💙⛳🇨🇦

⛳🇨🇦 GOOD LUCK TO OUR WCBGA MEMBERS AT THE 2026 ISPS HANDA CANADIAN OPEN! 🇨🇦⛳

WCBGA would like to wish all of our members competing this week at the 2026 ISPS HANDA Canadian Open the very best of luck!

The Canadian Open takes place August 23–25 at Hillsborough Golf Club in East Mountain, New Brunswick, bringing together blind and visually impaired golfers, along with their coaches and guides, for one of the biggest events on the Canadian blind golf calendar.

This is a big week for blind golf in Canada, with the Canadian Open followed immediately by the Brian MacLeod Memorial. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent, determination and camaraderie that make our blind golf community so special.

To all our WCBGA members competing — play well, enjoy every moment, reconnect with old friends and make some new ones along the way. We’ll be cheering you on from across Western Canada! 👏⛳

And after Robert Gentil-Perret’s impressive win in Meadow Lake last week, the question is… can anyone slow him down? 👀🔥

BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE! 💙❤️💚💛

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📸⛳ Stay tuned for scoring and pictures throughout the week!

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⛳ WHAT A FINISH IN MEADOW LAKE! ⛳

Congratulations to everyone who competed in the 2026 Gerry, Chris & Friends Invitational in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan! It was another fantastic week of blind golf, friendship and competition.

A huge shout-out to this year’s winners:

🏆 Overall Champion – Robert Gentil-Perret — 113 points
🏆 Men’s Champion – Kevin Frost — 106 points
🥈 Men’s Runner-Up – Garth Hiltz — 105 points
🏆 Ladies Champion – Deanna Morgan — 58 points
🥈 Ladies Runner-Up – Kathy Mudrey — 58 points
🏆 Team Winners – Garth Hiltz & Victor Goetz

Congratulations to all the winners and to every golfer, coach and guide who took part. A special thank you to Gerry, Chris and everyone in Meadow Lake who helped make the tournament such an enjoyable event.

And how about Robert Gentil-Perret? With 58 points in Round 1 and 55 in Round 2 for 113 total, Robert certainly looks like the one to beat heading into a huge week of blind golf next week! 🔥⛳

🇨🇦 Next up is the 2026 ISPS HANDA Canadian Open, followed by the Brian MacLeod Memorial. We’re looking forward to seeing many of our WCBGA members back on the course competing again.

Good luck to everyone next week — play well, enjoy the competition and have a great time with the blind golf family!

💙❤️💚💛 WCBGA

⛳ COACH’S CORNER – PEARSE MORONEY ⛳

This week, we’re excited to feature Pearse Moroney from Brentwood Bay, British Columbia!

Pearse has been involved with blind golf for 7 years and currently coaches his wife, Julie Moroney.

Their journey into blind golf began through Julie’s involvement with the Outta Sight dragon boat crew in Victoria. One of her associates knew Doug Stoutley, who helped introduce Julie to blind golf.

As for how Pearse became her coach?

In his own words:

“No choice really… happy wife, happy life!” 😂

That decision turned into a seven-year journey filled with golf, travel, friendships and some unforgettable moments.

🌎 A BLIND GOLF JOURNEY

One of the things Pearse enjoys most about blind golf is the community that surrounds it.

He describes the blind golf family as a vibrant group and says he and Julie enjoy everything about the tournaments — both the golf and the time spent together afterward.

Along the way, they’ve also formed friendships with people from around the world.

One of Pearse’s proudest moments came at the 2024 Vision Cup in Austria, where Julie won all three of her matches.

Blind golf has also given Pearse an even greater appreciation for the determination of visually impaired golfers.

He says it has shown him the incredible fortitude of these golfers as they deal with all the challenges of golf while also managing vision loss.

For Pearse, the most rewarding part of coaching is simple:

Seeing Julie play to her ability.

🏌️ ON THE COURSE

Pearse believes one of the biggest misconceptions about blind golf is that many people don’t realize it is played under the same R&A Rules of Golf as the rest of the game.

When it comes to being a great coach, Pearse says three things are especially important:

Knowing your golfer’s abilities, having patience, and having a healthy heart!

There aren’t many pre-round traditions in the Moroney camp — just plenty of practice.

As Gary Player famously said:

“The more I practice, the luckier I get.”

His advice to anyone thinking about becoming a guide or coach?

Give it a try with a good friend or close family member. It is incredibly rewarding.

And what should every golfer remember about their coach?

The coach is only human! 😂

🏌️‍♂️ GETTING TO KNOW PEARSE

Favourite course played: Mount Juliet, County Kilkenny, Ireland

Dream course: Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

Outside of golf: Tennis, cycling and watching rugby union

Fun fact: Pearse loves karaoke! 🎤

⚡ COACH’S QUICK NINE

Favourite club: Ping 22° Rescue

Favourite golf snack: Banana

Coffee or tea: Coffee

Morning or afternoon tee time: Afternoon

Favourite professional golfer: Pádraig Harrington

Favourite sports team: Leinster Rugby

Favourite music/artist: James Blunt

Dream foursome: Pearse says he’d rather tee it up with three good friends — and he has no shortage of candidates, including Dave, Sean, Brian, Leo, Fred, Paul, Jay and even Jan Jaap!

One word that describes his coaching style: Pragmatic

👏 Thank you, Pearse, for everything you do for Julie and for the blind golf community.

Your humour, support and dedication are a great example of what Coach’s Corner is all about, and we’re proud to share your story with the WCBGA community.

Thank you for being part of this week’s Coach’s Corner!

⛳ GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE HEADING TO MEADOW LAKE! ⛳

WCBGA would like to wish all the golfers, guides, coaches and volunteers the very best of luck at the 2026 Gerry & Chris & Friends Blind Golf Invitational at Meadow Lake Golf Club! 🏌️‍♂️

A special thank you to Gerry Nelson, Chris Villeneuve, the Meadow Lake Golf Club, the Meadow Lake Lions Club, and everyone behind the scenes for bringing everyone together for another great blind golf event.

Enjoy the golf, the friendships, the laughs and some great Saskatchewan hospitality!

Play well, have fun, and most importantly…

WE CAN STILL PLAY! 💙❤️💚💛

Good luck everyone! ⛳🏆

⛳ COACH’S CORNER – LORI SMITH ⛳

This week, we’re excited to feature Lori Smith from Thorndale, Ontario!

Lori has been involved with blind golf for the past 8 years and currently guides Hugh Montgomery. Their partnership started after the two met while working for Bell Canada and discovered they shared a love of golf. When Hugh became involved in blind golf, he initially had a few other guides before eventually asking Lori to join him.

They’ve been together ever since.

Lori says becoming a guide was the perfect opportunity to give back to the golf community while spending time with a great friend doing something they both love.

One of the things she enjoys most about blind golf is the attitude of the golfers.

“Good shot or bad shot, they continue to give it their all and are just happy to be out playing a game they love.”

🌎 A Blind Golf Journey Around the World

One of Lori’s favourite memories came when she and Hugh travelled to South Africa for their first World Championship near Cape Town.

She never imagined that blind golf would take her all the way to South Africa, and the experience remains one of the highlights of her journey.

Blind golf has also taught Lori an important lesson:

Never give up. Despite the challenges, there is always a way.

For Lori, one of the most rewarding parts of being a guide is simply being part of the blind golf community and meeting incredible people from around the world.

🏌️ ON THE COURSE

When asked about the biggest misconception surrounding blind golf, Lori says many people simply can’t imagine how someone who is visually impaired can play the game.

Once you explain how the golfer and guide work together, she says it can be a real “eye opener.”

And what makes a great guide?

Patience — and the ability to follow the ball!

Her advice to anyone considering becoming a guide is simple:

Give it a try. It’s a great way to spend time with golfers, friends, and some pretty amazing people.

And according to Lori, there’s one very important thing every golfer should know about their guide:

Their favourite beverage! 😂

🏌️‍♀️ GETTING TO KNOW LORI

Favourite course played: Greywolf Golf Course in British Columbia and Pacific Harbour in Australia

Dream course: St. Andrews, Scotland

Outside of golf: Hiking, biking, kayaking and knitting

Fun fact: Lori umpired slo-pitch and fastball for 25 years, travelling across Canada along the way!

⚡ COACH’S QUICK NINE

Favourite club: 6 Hybrid

Favourite golf snack: Cheese String

Coffee or tea: COFFEE! ☕

Morning or afternoon tee time: First off the blocks!

Favourite professional golfer: Payne Stewart

Favourite sports team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Favourite music/artist: Jimmy Buffett

Dream foursome: Payne Stewart, Brooke Henderson, Fred Couples and Mike Weir

One word that describes her coaching style: Supportive

👏 Thank you, Lori, for everything you do for Hugh and for the blind golf community. Your friendship, dedication and willingness to give back are exactly what makes this sport so special.

We’re proud to feature Lori Smith in this week’s edition of Coach’s Corner!

🏌️‍♂️ FUN FACT FRIDAY! ⛳

Did you know the first Western Canadian Blind Golf Championship was held in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, in 1972?

That tournament marked the beginning of what has become an incredible 55-year history of blind golf in Western Canada.

Next year, WCBGA will proudly celebrate its 55th Anniversary — 1972–2027! 🎉

For more than five decades, blind and visually impaired golfers, alongside their dedicated coaches and guides, have competed, travelled, built friendships and helped grow this amazing game.

We’re proud of where we started, proud of how far we’ve come, and excited about where WCBGA is headed next!

Here’s to 55 years of blind golf! 🏌️‍♂️💙❤️💚💛