WABGA WA Blind Golf Open Championships 2015
WA Open 2015 Overall winner Stephen Mitchell (right) being presented his trophy
by John White (centre), with caddie Chris Roberts (left).
The Western Australian Blind Golf Association welcomed 14 golfers, half from the eastern states to the WABGA Blind Golf Open Championship which took place at Collier Park on the 15th and 16th October 2015.
In a spirit of tremendous camaraderie the competition was hotly contested. Stephen Mitchell from NSW was the overall winner on 78 points ably assisted by his caddy from the WABGA, Chris Roberts. Deanna Minciullo was runner up with caddying by Clarrie Minciullo.
David Blyth from Victoria with caddy Garry McInnes won the B1 category; Alan Rustand from WA with his caddy James O’Hanlon did the honours for the B2 golfers; and the B3 category was won by Doug Burrows. Both Doug’s wife and daughter caddied for him across the two days of competition.
Earlier in the week 10 golfers had warmed up for the WABGA Blind Golf Open by playing two days of competition for the WA Ron Anderson Masters Trophy. This was won by Deanna Minciullo caddied by Clarrie Minciullo from WA.
Ross Thompson, outgoing President of the WABGA said that both the Championship and Masters had shown the true spirit of Blind Golf with some excellent golf played in a spirit of friendly rivalry. ‘We were delighted that we had such a strong field, and thank all those who came over from Victoria and New South Wales to play’.
VIP guests were very welcome at the prize ceremony including John White, Dr Handa’s representative and Debra Barnes, Executive Manager, Operations of VisAbility.
Also present were Doug Sloan, President of Blind Golf Australia and David Blyth Chair of Blind Sports Australia. All players and caddies had the chance to socialise over a drink and refreshments as a fitting end to a highly successful tournament.
FULL RESULTS
WABGA Blind Golf Open
| Player | Score | Category | Caddie | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | Stephen Mitchell NSW | 78 | B2 | Chris Roberts |
| Runner Up | Deanna Minciullo WA | 75 (CB) | B2 | Clarrie Minciullo |
| Winner B1 | David Blyth Victoria | 73 | B1 | Gary McInnes |
| Runner Up B1 | Doug Sloan Victoria | 37 | B1 | Jo Delaney |
| Winner B2 | Alan Rustand WA | 71 | B2 | James O’Hanlon |
| Runner Up B2 | Jenny McCallum WA | 69 | B2 | Ian McCallum |
| Winner B3 | Doug Burrows WA | 75 | B3 | Thelma Burrows |
| Runner Up B3 | John Hayward NSW | 61 | B3 | Gerry Brown |
| Len Pettit | ||||
| Winner VisAbility Seniors Trophy | John White WA | 64 | B2 | Ross Thompson |
WABGA Blind Golf Masters for the Ron Anderson Trophy
| Player | Score | Category | Caddie | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | Deanna Minciullo WA | 80 | B2 | Clarrie Minciullo |
| Winner B1 | David Blyth Victoria | 46 | B1 | Gary McInnes |
| Winner B2 | Graham Coulton NSW | 68 | B2 | Sue Carpenter |
| Winner B3 | Doug Burrows WA | 67 | B3 | Thelma Burrows |