Ontario Blind Golf (OBG)

"Making greens and dreams come true for blind and visually impaired golfers since 1990."

Ontario Blind Golf, or OBG, is a member of Blind Golf Canada (BGC) and our mission is to bring people together to play the sport of blind golf. OBG promotes the game to blind and visually impaired persons focussing on true sportsmanship amongst Canada’s blind and visually impaired golfers wishing to play at a social, provincial, national and/or international level. OBG is also a member of International Blind Golf (IBGA). IBGA has 13 other Member countries and five Associate-Member countries. OBG hosts events and tournaments in Ontario, and some of our members participate in tournaments held across Canada and around the world.

Who is OBG?

Golf is played by millions of Canadians regardless of age, gender, physical ability, disability and this-ability. Most people think it is essential to have good eyesight to play golf. That is not true. Totally blind and severely visually impaired golfers, with the assistance of their Coaches, and approved technology, are able to enjoy the friendship, outdoors, and exercise the game of golf provides. The truth is golf helps bridge gaps, and forges positive social experiences. The unifying power of sport. You golf four or five hours with somebody, you’re bound to have conversations. Those conversations are that much more interesting when you are playing golf with a blind or visually impaired golfer. Quite simply, blind golf helps break down disabled barriers.

We are about bringing visually impaired or blind persons together to learn and play the game of golf. We focus on creating and supporting a fun, social and refreshing approach to disabled golf that is inclusive, accessible and offers rounds that include every range of golfer from the recreational golfer to those that wish to play more competitively and actually even manage their handicaps. Currently, three regional blind golf associations run “local” golf events at the Provincial level: Western Canadian Blind Golf Association (WCBGA), Ontario Blind Golf (OBG), and the Nova Scotia Blind Golf Association (NSBGA).

OBG is a registered charity. Your help as a sponsor is a difference maker, and without that support we would not be able to do what we do. We usually host an annual fundraising event called the Kressler Charity Tournament but in 2020 and 2021 it was put on hold due to COVID, and has not been an option since. This makes other support that much more important. If you or a corporate entity you know of wishes to become a supporter/sponsor please contact Kostantino Beltsis or Kevin Frost at their respective emails listed on the Board page.

How does blind golf differ from traditional golf?

OBG members play on the same courses and the same tees as any other golfer, and all players use a cart to ensure we keep up with a pace of play. The main difference is that a Coach is allowed to help the blind golfer do certain things like line up their ball, set their direction, let them know about distance, hazards, and describe green conditions to name a few. Every player and Coach have their own routine, and it’s great to learn from so many other golfers, not to mention being inspired by them. Without a Coach a blind golfer can’t play.

Each golfer is classified into one of 3 different categories, from B1 (totally blind up to light perception) to B3 (sight not to exceed 6/60). All of the tournaments meet certain requirements like distance, slope ratings, and if you wish to play a more competitive game, you can keep track of your handicap which works in the same way a handicap would work for a sighted golfer. Below are the classifications summarized.

  • B1 Classification: No light perception
  • B2 Classification: Below 5% vision (20/400-20/1000)
  • B3 Classification: Below 10% vision (20/200-20/400)

“Doing anything and everything to help blind and vision impaired persons experience the wonder and joy of golf in Ontario.”