Blind Golfer Enters U.S. Putting Championship

Jeremy Poincenot, the 2010 IBGA World Blind Golf Champion, has entered the 2011 U.S. Putting Tour Championship, it was announced today.

Mr. Poincenot, 21, lost his central vision in late 2008 within a matter of weeks, the result of a very rare genetic disorder called LHON (Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy). He can no longer read without extreme magnification, drive or distinguish faces. But with the support of friends and family, he continues to do many of the things that he always did, including play golf.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Jeremy compete in the U.S. Putting Tour Championship," said USPT president, Jim Hartley. "Not only is he an inspiration to everyone dealing with a disability, he's a darn good golfer."

Jeremy always played golf and has learned how to adapt his game with his vision loss. In 2009, he placed third in the U.S. Blind Golf Championships and in August 2010 he won the IBGA World Blind Golf Championship in England. Mr. Poincenot also competed in the Pro-am of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January of this year.

His father, Lio, who is his coach, caddy and on-course guide, will be permitted to be with Jeremy on the green throughout the putting tournament. Jeremy formerly worked in the cart barn at The Crossings, the host site for the putting championship.

Jeremy will compete alongside 200 or more entrants in the weeklong putting event, which takes place from September 26 through October 2. Golfers wanting to learn more and enter the putting competition can go to the USPT website. The tournament is open to all golfers, male and female, 13 years of age and older.

The national championship features a $10,000 cash prize for first place among professionals and merchandise prizes for amateurs in accordance with USGA amateur status rules. The overall winner also receives the USPT Championship trophy and earns the title of America's Best Putter.