Efforts Underway to Get Champion Blind Golfer into World Golf Hall of Fame


The United States Blind Golf Association (USBGA) has taken up the cause to get Pat Browne, Jr. elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2015. Browne, the world's most accomplished blind golfer, has 70 global blind golf victories to his credit, including a remarkable 23 mational championship titles. He is regarded as the USBGA's international ambassador and a beacon of encouragement for all blind golfers.

The USBGA has launched a national campaign to encourage the public, PGA of America members, major golf associations, pro tours and other groups to write the World Golf Hall of Fame in support of Browne's candidacy in the Lifetime Achievement category. Arnold Palmer is behind the movement to have Browne inducted with the next class of honorees in 2015.

Browne, now in his 80s, remains competitive and an inspiration of hope. He has been honored by many organizations for his impressive playing record, as well as his courage and leadership. Browne won the 1988 Ben Hogan Award, presented by the Golf Writers Association of America; the 2007 Mary Bea Porter Award, given by the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association; and is a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Tulane University Hall of Fame, and the Sugar Bowl Athletic Hall of Fame.

Browne, a former scratch golfer and promising attorney, lost his sight in a car accident in 1966. Instead of leaving the game he loved, Browne embraced the challenge of conquering the handicap that fate had dealt him. Of his many record-setting feats, Browne played a nine-home exhibition match in 1990 with U.S. Open champion Payne Stewart.

Stewart, who competed wearing a blindfold, lost by 18 shots to Browne and was so humbled by Browne's prowess that he proclaimed he could never beat him, "even if I practiced every day."

Browne served as the USBGA's president from 1974-1992, and now lives in New Orleans.

To join the campaign in support of having Pat Browne, Jr. inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, e-mail bwaters@wghof.org and put the words Pat Browne, Jr. in the subject line.