VIG News Letter
VIG News Letter
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| * Golf for visually impaired people
* VIG's activity * Rule of competition * News Letter * Invitation for members
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## The First Visually Impaired Golfers of Japan Competition
It was a great event with Mr. Tommy Nakajima's attendance.
The First Visually Impaired Golfers of Japan Competition was held on December 1, 1997 at Itsuura-teien Country Club, Nakoso, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima Pref.. Over 110 people, including 40 visually impaired golfers and their partners from all over Japan, and event staff and officials, joined together for the first tournament of this kind in Japan. Players and their partners arrived at the golf course at three o'clock in the afternoon on the day before the competition to practise and get prepared. At night, a party was held at Nakoso Inn, at where participants were staying. There was a luck draw at the party, and prizes included free hotel tickets, golf balls, etc. After the party, members went back their rooms and continued chatting and drinking with each other until midnight. The regional organizers got together at the officials' room to exchange information regarding local activities in their own regions. They came to an agreement that golf for visually impaired people should be made an official game at the National Athletic Meet for Paralympics. It then came to the day of the competition. Itsuura-teien country club was the most suitable golf course for visually impaired golfers since it was flat and wide. The opening ceremony was held in front of the gorgeous club house and all the participants joined in for a memorial photo. The competition then began. The competition was gratefully supported by the seven local Lion's Clubs with their provision of referees, assistance in pre-game arrangement, and hospitality for the VIG members and volunteers. There were two categories in the competition, an 18-hole match for 29 players and a 9-hole match for 11 players. The game was based on a new peria system with visual handicap, B1, B2 and B3. In order to carry out the game smoothly, participants were divided into rounds, in which consisted of three players, their partners, and a referee. It took about two and half hours for nine holes. There was a commendation ceremony and party after the game. Mr. Tsuneyuki "Tommy" Nakajima came to join the cerebration, and presented to the winner the "Tsuneyuki Nakajima Memorial VIG Cup." While the organizers of the competition were calculating the scores, Tommy came up to the stage and gave a Q&A session. He sometimes cracked a joke to create relax atmosphere.
Winners in 18-hole and 9-hole divisions were Isao Shiga from Shizuoka Pref. and Shigeharu Kuzunugi from Saitama Pref. respectively.
Results of the First Visually Impaired Golfers in Japan Competition
## Training for Partners of Visually Impaired Golfers The training course was held with eleven attenders. The training course was held five times a month from July to November 1997. It was the first VIG event to train the volunteers who wanted to be partners of visually impaired golfers. Participants learned skills, such as leading visually impaired people in a golf course and helping the players swing at practice and games. Lectures and speakers are as follows.
We thank Highland Center Co. and Northern C Nishikigahara Golf Course for providing facilities. ## The Fifth Visually Impaired Golfers Competition for Guide Dog Promotion "The sixth game will be held on September 28, 1998." The Fifth Visually Impaired Golfers Competition for Guide Dog Promotion was held on 09/29/1997, and was sponsored by Japan Guide Dog Foundation and cosponsored by VIG. This event is now recognized as an annual festival for visually impaired golfers. The competition was held at Fuji Heigen Golf Course in Gotenba, Shizuoka Pref. with 43 players participated, the largest participation ever. A charity game was held along with the competition to raise funds for guide dogs. Since there are 27 holes in the Fuji Heigen GC, 18 holes were used for the charity game and the rest 9 holes were for the competition. The competition had two categories, 18-hole (playing 9 holes two times) stroke play, and 9-hole stroke play using VIG handicap system. There were also a patting game for novice players and a round lesson with Mr. Koichi Susuki, Mr. Akiyoshi Ohmachi, Mr. Hirohumi Miyase, and many other JLPGA players. The sixth competition is scheduled on September 28, 1998 with the sponsorship by Japan Guide Dog Foundation.
Result of the Fifth Visually Impaired Golfers Competition for Guide Dog Promotion
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