About the program
The Blind & Disabled Golf Program is entering its 25th year on the Central Coast of California.
Conceived by Howard Shaw in 1992, and further developed as a joint venture with Bob Kotowski, PGA , the Santa Maria Lions Club, and several area volunteers and golf professionals, the program continues to grow and pursue several goals.
First, and foremost, we hope to introduce blind and disabled individuals to this wonderful life changing activity. The program strives to and mainstream blind, disabled and adaptive golf through many activities such as free clinics, training sessions for coaches, caddies and players, easier access to facilities, as well as instruction to enhance the playing ability and experience of established blind, disabled and adaptive golfers.
In addition, we will continue to host events and competitions to challenge the skills of the participants and fully embrace the comradery, and enjoyment of the game for all comers! There is never a fee charged for instruction, clinics, or equipment! In addition, every effort is made to subsidize the expenses involved for the participants.
Our volunteers, and partners all work together to offer support such as transportation, lodging, and meals. This program is funded by you, through participation in events and your generous donations.
Thank you for your involvement!
Zaca Creek Golf Course
Home to the Blind & Disabled Golf Program
The Zaca Creek Golf Course and Learning Center is located in beautiful Santa Ynez Valley and is the perfect venue for our Blind and Disabled Training Program. The course is fun and challenging for players of all skill levels. The design puts a premium on course management and skill, not the demand for distance. For the student and instructor, it provides the opportunity to address and explore all aspects of the game on the course, in a relaxed setting. In addition, a well groomed short game practice area is easily accessible. and a beautiful 4000 square foot grass practice tee provides a comfortable learning environment to work on the golf swing and basic fundamentals.
The best feature of the facility is the warm welcome and hospitality. The management and staff at Zaca Creek graciously embrace the program participants, and extend every courtesy to any person visiting Zaca Creek! At Zaca Creek Golf and Learning Center the focus is on fun and an excellent golf experience.
The Blind Golf Training Manual
This training manual was conceived and developed with one objective, to contribute to improving the performance and golf experience of the blind golfer. The manual was designed to assist blind golfers and their coaches in establishing a standardized procedure, practice, and on course playing routine, that would consistently promote the player and coaches best performance.
Working together as a team with a step by step, tried and true guideline for successful performance, the player and coach are able to develop an efficient and seamless partnership. Once the individual’s peak performance routine is identified, it can then be taught to a number of coaches, making them available to assist the blind golfer so that he can perform at that person’s highest level, regardless of who the coach may be on a given day.
Click Here to download or view a pdf version of the Blind Golf Training Manual
News, Events & Clinics
2025 HOWARD SHAW MEMORIAL CALIFORNIA BLIND DISABLED GOLF CLASSIC
JANUARY 10-12, 2025
TOURNAMENT HOSTED BY
OLDE SCHOOL GOLF SCHOOL
AT ZACA CREEK GOLF COURSE | BUELLTON, CALIFORNIA | PAR 58, 3175 YARDS
Schedule of Events
Friday, January 10
Complimentary practice round and participants short game clinic
(skins and pins game optional)
Saturday, January 11
10:30 am check-in
4-Person Scramble Pro-Am
(1 Tournament contestant paired with 3 partners, Pro or Am)
11 am Blindfold/Blind Short Game Challenge Prior to Saturday scramble
11 am – 1 pm Santa Ynez BBQ
12 pm shotgun start
5 – 7 pm Awards Banquette – Mendenhall’s Museum
Sunday, January 12
11 am check-in
12 pm 18-hole medal play shotgun start
3 pm Awards and Trophy Presentation
Tournament Lodging
SPECIAL TOURNAMENT RATE (2 PERSONS)
Hampton Inn & Suites (805) 686-1555
Flying Flags RV Resort (805) 688-3716 – 20% Discount
Each Adaptive Player receives $100 Cash Credit for expenses
Online Registration
Fees
ENTRANCE FEE $135 PER PLAYER – $175 PLAYER AND COACH INCLUDES:
3-days green fees, range, hotel accommodations (1 night), Santa Ynez Style BBQ Lunch, Swag Bag and Awards Banquet on Saturday Night at Mendenhall’s Museum.
SATURDAY SCRAMBLE ONLY PARTICIPATION $75 EACH INCLUDES:
Contribution to the Blind & Disabled Golf, Range, Short Game Challenges, Prizes, Santa Ynez Style BBQ, Lunch, Swag Bag and Awards Banquet at Mendenhall’s Museum.
Please select a package to register and pay with PayPal
Purchase Now | Individual Player $135
Purchase Now | Player + Coach $175
Purchase Now | Saturday Scramble Only $75
Purchase Now | Additional Banquet Guest $30
Purchase Now | Additional BBQ Guest $15
Once the transaction is complete in PayPal, you will be automatically redirected to an online registration form where you can provide your contact and player information.
Mail-in Registration
Click Here for printable Event Flyer
Donate
Please support the Blind & Disabled Golf Program. Your donation is greatly appreciated!
DONATE TODAY
Thank you to the partners and friends of Blind and Disabled Golf!
Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez California
Exxon Corporation
Santa Maria Lions Club
Dr. Bill Heringer/ Santa Ynez Valley Medical Associates
Andersens Inn , Buellton California
City of Buellton Ca. Chamber of Commerce
Bernard and Rita Weinstock
Kalyra Winery
Zaca Creek Golf Course
Rancho Maria Golf Course, Santa Maria Calif.
Hitching Post restaurant/Bill Ostini Guadalupe California
Starbucks coffee
Sandpiper Golf Course / Kyle Oliver
Joseph Barto
Rancho San Marcos Golf Course/ Josh Pollaro