2011 International Blind Golf Championships

The following is a press release from the Columbus Sports Council:

For Immediate Release Media Contacts:
July 11, 2011
Merri Sherman
Columbus Sports Council

msherman@columbusga.org
t#706-660-1996


Columbus to host the 2011 International Blind Golf Championships


The tournament will be hosted at two venues, Green Island Country Club and Maple Ridge Golf Course and will feature the crowning of the 2011 US Blind Golf Champion


COLUMBUS, GA – July 12, 2011 – Organizers of the annual Country’s Midnight Express Events are pleased to announce the inclusion of a new event on this years’ schedule, the 2011 International Blind Golf Tournament.

The 2011 tournament field of fifty (50) blind and visually impaired golfers from eight (8) participating countries will visit Columbus, Georgia to battle it out for worldwide recognition and for a charitable contribution that will go back to the winning country to be used to promote golf to the blind and visually impaired.

The tournament is sanctioned by the International Blind Golf Association (The IBGA is the governing & sanctioning body of blind golf events worldwide) and the United States Blind Golf Association (USBGA).

The three (3) day event will include a Blind-Am tournament and a two (2)-day competitive golf tournament played at two great golf courses – Green Island Country Club and Maple Ridge Golf Course. All of the Midnight Express activities will once again raise awareness and funds for charities and organizations that support the visually impaired.

In true Columbus style, local companies and groups are throwing their support behind this unique event. Leading the charge are Country’s Barbeque, Columbus Sports Council, Columbus Visitors Bureau, Columbus State University’s Golf Team, Green Island Country Club and Maple Ridge Golf Course.

Columbus Sports Council Executive Director Herbert Greene said, “This is a rare opportunity for the city of Columbus to be in the international spotlight as hosts of this prestigious tournament. The Columbus Sports Council is excited to be a co-sponsor and we welcome these talented players from around the world to our hometown.”

"We are thrilled to play a small role in bringing another quality golf tournament to Columbus, Georgia. With players from all over the world, our hope is that you will be amazed and inspired with the quality of play and the competitiveness of the players. I will consider the tournament a success if we are able to bring awareness to the visually impaired in our community and also introduce competitive golf to a visually impaired person from our area that would be able to play in the tournament next year", says Scott Ressmeyer, co-owner Country’s Barbecue.

We hope that you will show your support either through sponsorship, participation in the Blind-Am, volunteering or as a spectator - take advantage of this unique opportunity, come and watch the top ranked IBGA Blind Golfers in the world! Show the world the generous spirit of the people of Columbus, Georgia.

For more information on the tournament and how you can get involved please contact Merri Sherman at the Sports Council (706) 660-1996 OR Scott Ressmeyer at Country’s Barbecue (706) 366-4416.

Friend us on Facebook (facebook.com/internationalblindgolfchampionship) or Follow us on Twitter (@Blindgolf).

Event dates:

2-Day Tournament - August 23rd& 24th
Practice rounds - August 21st & 22nd
Blind–Am - August 22nd


For information about the IBGA visit www.internationalblindgolf.com. Please join us in welcoming these golfers in the spirit of true Southern Hospitality!