| International Blind Golf Association | |
| Abbreviation: | IBGA |
| Type: | Non-profit |
| Services: | Blind Golf |
| Affiliations: | Japanese Blind Golf Association |
International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) (in Japanese) was established in 1998 as a disabled sports entity to organize, acknowledge and support international blind golf (visually impaired and blind golf) tournaments. As of 2014, it has around 500 registered golfers.[1]
In 1996, Haruhisa Handa who was the founder of Japanese Blind Golf Association appealed to blind golf associations around the world to set up a governing organization. In 1997, the World Blind Golfers Conference was held in Perth, Australia, where representatives from six countries participated to propose the articles of association and handicap system. In 1998, the proposal was resolved at a meeting held during the 5th Blind Golf World Championship in Florida, US, so that a global governing organization could be established. Handa was elected as the first president, and David Blyth from Australia became the first chairman (responsible in administration).[2] [3]
There were eight organizations that took part in the World Blind Golfers’ Conference held in 1997 from 6 countries; Japan, United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
As of 2014, International Blind Golf Association has 18 member organizations from 16 countries including 4 associate organizations from 4 countries.
| valign=top | Title ! | valign=top | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISPS HANDA World Blind Golf Championship | |||
| The ISPS HANDA Ressmeyer Vision Cup | |||
| Blind Golf Japan Open Championship | |||
| ISPS HANDA US Blind Open Championships | |||
| ISPS HANDA British Blind Golf Open | |||
| ISPS HANDA Canadian Blind Golf Open | |||
| ISPS HANDA Irish Blind golf Open | |||
| ISPS HANDA Australian Blind Open | |||
| ISPS HANDA Italian Blind Open | |||
| South African Blind Golf Open | |||
| Handa Cup |