USDGA Championship 2024 – Tournament Report
Inspiring Moments from One of the World’s Premier Adaptive Golf Tournaments
PGA Golf Club in Florida
Published on Wednesday, April 17, 2024
The 2024 USDGA Championship returned to PGA Golf Club’s Ryder Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida, from April 22–24 for the second consecutive year.
Presented by the PGA of America, the event formerly known as the U.S. Disabled Golf Open has now officially rebranded as the USDGA Championship.
This year’s competition featured 90 players participating in a 54-hole, three-round stroke-play tournament, beginning on April 22.
The USDGA’s mission is to provide individuals with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to showcase their golf skills at a high level.
Participants must have a handicap index of 36.4 or lower and possess a WR4GD pass to register.
“We are constantly delighted to witness the enthusiasm of numerous golfers eager to come and display their skills on the golf course,” said USDGA Founder and Championship Coordinator Jason Faircloth. “From the first two championships that ended in a playoff to having a female champion last year who couldn’t even play 9 holes the day before – let alone participate in a 54-hole event and emerge victorious – this Championship offers an opportunity to inspire golfers to believe in their potential beyond limits set by others. Hopefully, in the future, we can further expand and enhance this event.”
Bailey Bish (middle) won the Women’s Division of the fifth U.S. Disabled Open.
The 2023 USDGA Championship was won in May by Chad Pfeifer of Nampa, Idaho (Men’s) and Bailey Bish of Tucson, Arizona (Women’s).
World Golf Hall of Fame Member and Honorary PGA of America Member Dennis Walters won the Seated Division, and Eliseo Villanueva of Fayetteville, North Carolina, won the Senior Division (50 and over).
“I am very excited to return to the USDGA Championship,” said Bish.
“The tournament will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first 54-hole tournament that I won.
The USDGA runs an amazing event, the course is beautiful and the other participants and volunteers make it extra special.”
The inaugural championship was held in 2018 at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, with 48 golfers from eight countries participating.
Designed by Tom Fazio, the Ryder Course at PGA Golf Club is named in honour of Samuel Ryder, the namesake and founder of the Ryder Cup.
With its majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards, the Ryder Course has a distinctive Carolina-feel.
With various hole locations, you could play this course every day and discover a different layout.
Dennis Walters Tied for Second After First Round of USDGA Championship Seated Division
By Craig Dolch
Special to The Post
Dennis Walters: Overcoming Injury and Hitting 7 Million Golf Shots
PORT ST. LUCIE — Few people on this planet have hit more golf shots than Jupiter resident Dennis Walters, certainly not from a wheelchair.
Walters estimates he has hit more than 7 million shots during the last 47 years since he became paralyzed after a golf cart accident.
More than 99 percent of those swings came during trick-shot shows that Walters started doing after his dream of becoming a professional golfer was shattered.
Dennis Walters Shoots 12-Over 83 in First Round of USDGA Championship
On Monday, it was time to deal with the other 1 percent – playing tournament golf.
The World Golf Hall of Famer shot a 12-over 83 during the first round of the USDGA Championship at PGA Golf Club, and he tried to keep it in perspective.
“I’m 74 and I’ve been sitting in a wheelchair for 50 years, and I shot 83” Walters said. “There’s a lot of dead people who would love to be in my shoes and shoot 83. I’m not complaining about a darn thing.”
Dennis Walters Reflects on His Performance at PGA Golf Club
Of course, Walters wishes his score would have been lower. So does every other golfer.
But the 83 he shot on the Ryder Course was good enough to leave him tied for second, two shots behind Justin Miller in the Seated Division.
Walters is the defending champion here and won the Seated Division title in the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open in 2022.
“I really did hit some good shots, but not with the scoring shots” Walters said. “I almost holed a bunker shot, but I missed a 1-foot putt. I didn’t drive it as good, and that’s usually the best part of my game.”
Walters’ Work Ethic on Display: Practicing After Six-Hour Round
So what does Walters do after the six-hour round?
He heads to the putting green to work on his short game.
“He played bad today, and he’s out here grinding like Bernhard Langer would be” said Russ Holden, who used to caddie for Langer and serves as Walters’ assistant on the course.
“His drive never stops. And what’s amazing is he hasn’t played ‘regular golf’ in 47 years. He epitomizes what a World Golf Hall of Famer should be.”
USDGA Championship: Showcasing Golfers Who Overcame Challenges
Each of the 90 players competing in the USGDA Championship have overcome plenty to tee it up this week at PGA Golf Club.
Watching golfers swing with one arm, one leg, in a wheelchair or with neurological issues is a sight to behold.
Even if most wish they were elsewhere.
“This is one golf tournament you don’t want to be eligible for” Walters said.
“But if you are, and you’re here, that’s a heckuva thing.”
From Trick-Shot Shows to Competitive Golf: Walters’ Journey
Walters said people thought he was crazy when he started doing his trick-shot shows across the country.
He did more than 150 a year in his prime, and he will do more than 50 this year.
He never expected to someday be playing in competition against other disabled golfers. T
he USDGA, run by the U.S. Disabled Golf Association and Presented by the PGA of America, is in its sixth year; the USGA-run U.S. Disabled Open will hold its third event this summer.
“I’m so grateful for the PGA of America and the U.S. Disabled Golf Association for giving us this opportunity” Walters said.
“It’s not so much for me than for the younger ones. It’s great they have it and there’s an avenue open for competitive golf.”
Chris Biggins Leads Men’s Overall Division After Even-Par 71
Chris Biggins of Birmingham, Alabama, leads the men’s overall division, shooting an even-par 71 to give him a two-shot advantage over defending champion Chad Pfeifer, 2022 champion Eli Villanueva and Albert Bowker.
Five-time PGA Tour champion Ken Green (74) of West Palm Beach is tied for fifth with Kenny Bontz.
“I have to be more aggressive with my irons,” said Green, who had four bogeys and one birdie.
“It’s hard to make birdies when you’re not hitting your irons close.”
Ryanne Jackson Leads Women’s Division at USDGA Championship
Reigning U.S. Adaptive Open champion Ryanne Jackson of Seminole (80) leads the women’s division by a shot over Natasha Stasiuk. Defending champion Bailey Bish is tied for third with Amanda Cunha.
Senior Division: Villanueva and Willoughby Tied at the Top
Villanueva is tied for the Senior Division lead with George Willoughby (73) of Danville, Virgina.
The 54-hole event runs through Wednesday.
Chris Biggins and Bailey Bish Lead After Second Round
By Craig Dolch
Special to the Post
Chris Biggins Takes Two-Shot Lead After Strong Second Round at PGA Golf Club
PORT ST. LUCIE — Winning the 2019 USDGA Championship opened a lot of doors for Chris Biggins, qualifying him for several adaptive golf tournaments around the world.
He’s knocking on the door again after shooting a 2-over 73 Tuesday to take a two-shot lead in the men’s overall division entering the final round of the sixth USDGA Championship at PGA Golf Club.
“This event always holds a special place in my heart” said Biggins, who is ranked as the No. 3 adaptive golfer in the world. “I’m sure it’s going to be a battle that will go down to the final hole.”
Bailey Bish Holds Narrow Lead in Women’s Overall Division
Bailey Bish of Tucson has a chance to defend her women’s overall title after a 78 provided her with a one-shot lead over reigning U.S. Adaptive Open champion Ryanne Jackson of Seminole.
Biggins’ Consistency Keeps Him Ahead of the Field
Biggins is at 2-over 144 after two trips around the Ryder Course and leads by two over Albert Bowker (73) and by three over five-time PGA Tour winner Ken Green (73) of West Palm Beach and defending champion Chad Pfeifer (74).
Biggins, the director of Player Development at the Country Club of Birmingham, has made only four bogeys (with two birdies) in the first 36 holes. His rounds have been quite contrasting.
“I hit the ball much better in the first round, but didn’t make any putts,” said Biggins, who has cerebral palsy.
“Today the wind was up, and my short game saved me. I wish I could combine those two.”
Albert Bowker and Ken Green Stay in Contention After Round Two
Bowker’s best finish was T21 at last year’s U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst, third among the Short Stature participants.
Playing in his first USGDA Championship, Bowker was even through 15 holes before two late bogeys left him two behind.
“I’m really stoked about the opportunity,” said Bowker, a 31-year-old from Santa Barbara, California.
“I’m trying to focus on my swing and stay mentally locked in. I’m just staying in my own zone and not let anything get in my head.”
Ken Green Eyes Senior Division Title 35 Years After PGA Tour Wins
It has been 35 years since Green won the last of his five PGA Tour titles. He said before the tournament how much he’d like to experience the joy of winning one more time.
If he’s going to win, he’ll need more than the one birdie he’s made in each of the first two rounds.
“One leg, one birdie… I guess that’s my role,” said Green, who lost part of his right leg in a 2009 RV accident.
“I’ve got to make more birdies. You can’t catch anybody making pars, especially on the last day.”
Green still has a chance to lift a trophy – he has a five-shot lead over Robert Walden (73-152) in the Senior division.
“That would be good,” the 65-year-old Green said of winning the senior title.
“I’m old, whether I’d like to believe it or not. It’s hard to compete against these, I hate to call them kids, but they’re 30 and 40 (yards) past me. A win is still important.”
Chad Pfeifer Battles Ryder Course Greens in Round Two
Pfeifer played the par-5s in three-under, but made six bogeys as he struggled on the Ryder Course greens.
Case in point: He hit it to 7 feet at the 18th hole and three-putted for bogey.
“I didn’t play bad, but didn’t play great,” said Pfeifer, who lost part of his left leg while serving in Iraq.
“I got careless with the putter.”
Bailey Bish Overcomes Challenges to Lead Women’s Division
Bish started the day two shots behind Jackson, but shot a 38 on her back nine to take the one-shot lead.
Bish suffers from dystonia, a muscle disease, and uses crutches to go from her cart to hit shots. When asked by a volunteer how she had played, Bish provided some perspective about this event.
“No falls today,” said Bish, who wasn’t kidding. She fell three times during the first round.
Four years ago, Bish couldn’t play nine holes because of her condition.
Little wonder she ranks last year’s victory as one of her top achievements.
“Winning last year’s tournament really helped me realize I am a good golfer and I do belong on the golf course against good players” Bish said.
“But I’m not thinking about winning. I’m focused on playing one shot at a time. If I do the best on every shot, we’ll see what the outcome is.”
Ryanne Jackson and Putting Struggles at 2024 USDGA Championship
Jackson also struggled on the greens Tuesday. She said she hasn’t made a putt longer than 5 feet in the first two rounds.
“It gets a bit frustrating at times,” Jackson said.
“I haven’t played a round in seven months, but winning last year’s Adaptive Open gave me a lot of confidence. I definitely have to putt better.”
Dennis Walters Withdraws From Second Round Due to Illness
Jupiter resident Dennis Walters, a World Golf Hall of Famer, withdrew during the second round with an illness.
The USDGA Championship is run by the U.S. Disabled Golf Association and Presented by the PGA of America.
Chad Pfeifer, Ryanne Jackson, and Ken Green Win Titles
By Craig Dolch
Special to the Post
2024 USDGA Championship Comes Down to the Wire at PGA Golf Club
PORT ST. LUCIE (April 24, 2024) – It came down to the wire – repeatedly – in the sixth USDGA Championship on Wednesday at PGA Golf Club.
Chad Pfeifer and Ryanne Jackson each made short putts on the 18th hole Wednesday to win their divisions by a shot, Pfeifer winning the men’s title for the third time and Jackson claiming her first women’s title.
Ken Green and Eli Villanueva had to go to a playoff to decide the Senior title, with Green prevailing in two extra holes.
Yes, the USDGA Championship was really good until the last putt dropped.
Chad Pfeifer Defends Title, Wins Third USDGA Championship
Pfeifer defended his title and won for the third time in the last four years.
The 45-year-old Idaho resident led the 54-hole tournament for only two holes – but they were the last two holes.
Pfeifer birdied the par-5 17th to grab the lead and then parred the 18th for a 1-under 70 to win by a shot over Albert Bowker at 4-over 217.
“I knew the birdie at 17 was huge, but I didn’t know how important it was until I looked at the leaderboard on the 18th tee,” said Pfeifer, who lost part of his left leg while serving in the Army in Iraq in 2007.
“I hit a good drive at 17, and that allowed me to play aggressively.”
Pfeifer reached the par-5 in two shots and two-putted from 40 feet for the birdie.
He hit an errant drive at the 18th, but made a nice recovery from the trees with a 7-iron from 167 yards to the edge of the green. He lagged to 4 feet and made the winning putt.
“That last putt was a little longer than I wanted, and it broke left-to-right, so it wasn’t an easy one” Pfeifer said.
“But I was able to make it. It always feels great to win any tournament, much less this one. This is a major in adaptive golf. Jason Faircloth and John Bell and the USDGA do a great job of running this championship.”
Albert Bowker Finishes Strong, Nearly Wins 2024 USDGA Championship
Bowker didn’t leave with a trophy, but he felt like a winner after shooting a 1-over 72 to finish one back at 5-over 218.
After a difficult start – he was 3-over after 3 holes – Bowker made three birdies in the next eight holes and was 2-under the rest of the round.
It was his best finish in adaptive golf (he was third in the Short Stature division in last year’s U.S. Adaptive Open).
“I was a little nervous playing in the final group for the first time,” said Bowker, from Santa Barbara, California.
“But once the nerves went away, I was in my own environment. I started playing some solid golf; to shoot 73-73-72 is absolutely unreal.”
Chris Biggins, Ken Green, and Eli Villanueva Battle for Top Spots
Chris Biggins, the 36-hole leader, shot 76 and was third at 7-over 220.
Green (76), a five-time PGA Tour winner, tied for fourth with Villanueva (70).
Ryanne Jackson Wins First Women’s USDGA Championship Title
Jackson started the day one shot behind defending champion Bailey Bish but fired a 2-over 73 to finish a stroke ahead of Bish (75). Jackson rebounded from a double bogey at the par-3 12th to birdie the 13th.
They were tied until Bish bogeyed the par-3 16th.
“I finally made some putts today,” said Jackson, who has muscular dystrophy. “It all came down to putting. Bailey missed a couple putts she usually makes.”
The victory enabled the Seminole, Fla., native to hold the top two trophies in women’s adaptive golf.
Jackson won last year’s U.S. Adaptive Open, which is run by the USGA.
“It means a lot to me” said Jackson, whose caddie was former college teammate Emily Valentine, a program director at the First Tee Florida Gold Coast.
“It definitely motivates me to go out and start practicing to get ready for July.”
Bailey Bish Reflects on Performance at 2024 USDGA Championship
Bish said before the round she wasn’t worried about winning; she just wanted to focus on every shot.
“I’m happy with the way I played,” Bish said. “It was a great week.”
Ken Green Wins Senior Division Title in Playoff
Green appeared to have the Senior Division title wrapped up – until the West Palm Beach resident made a triple bogey on the final hole to force the playoff with Villanueva.
Green looked to be the winner on the first playoff hole until Villanueva made a 50-foot par putt. Green won with a par on the second hole.
“A win is a win. It still feels good,” said Green, whose last victory on the PGA Tour came in 1989.
“I wasn’t thinking about the triple during the playoff; I wanted revenge on that hole. I know I’m never going to be the player I once was, but I never gave up.”
‘One Big Family’: Chris Biggins, PGA, Shares How the USDGA Championship is Different
By Ryan Adams, PGA
Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2024
At PGA Golf Club this week in Port St. Lucie, Florida, hundreds of golfers have been competing in perhaps one of the most impactful championships of the year.
It’s called the U.S. Disabled Golf Association (USDGA)Championship and features 90 players competing in a 54-hole, three-round stroke-play event on the Ryder Course at PGA Golf Club.
Run by the USDGA, the Championship’s mission is to provide people with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities an opportunity to showcase their ability in a golf championship at a high level.
Golfers must have a handicap index of 36.4 or lower and a WR4GD pass in order to register.
One of those golfers is PGA of America Golf Professional Chris Biggins, the Director of Player Development at Country Club of Birmingham in Alabama.
After two rounds, Biggins was leading the Men’s Overall Division, with an eye on winning his second championship (2019) today at PGA Golf Club.
We caught up with Chris after his round to get his insight on what playing the USDGA Championship is like, plus how he uses his competitive skiing reps on the golf course and much more.
What’s your experience been like playing in this championship? How does it stand out versus others, and why?
Chris Biggins, PGA: This championship is a reunion and a tournament all wrapped in one. The disabled golf community in the USA is like a big family. We have friendships, rivalries, and a shared desire to come out on top. The organizers of the event, Jason Faircloth and John Bell, are both disabled golfers themselves and truly understand how to run a championship for the players. We view this tournament as our national championship.
This tournament holds a special place in my heart, because my win in 2019 at Independence Club kicked off my career in global events.
What are a few of your focus points when you play in a tournament versus just regular play? How does that help you compete at a high level?
Biggins: When I play in a tournament, I shift into another gear in terms of my focus. I am certainly not the longest player in the field, so I have to make up for that weakness with intelligent play, and a strong short game. Going into these events, I want to make sure I am feeling great about working the ball both ways so that I can hit the shots that the course demands. I also make sure my wedges, which I believe are my best strength, are dialed in. Then when the tournament starts, I scratch and claw to make it no worse than par. These events are a battle, and I love the fight.
Do you use any strategies/tactics from your competitive skiing experiences during tournaments?
Biggins: Yes. In skiing, there is no room for fear. If you are tentative in a ski race, you put yourself in danger. On the golf course, the same principle applies. When I am in the start gate on the slopes, I have to be ready to charge down the mountain and attack every turn. When I am over a golf shot, (like in the second round on No. 4 with 212 to carry the water and the wind whipping), I have to be ready to commit 100% to my plan and go for it.
“All the ball knows is what you and the club tell it. It has no idea what your swing looks like or what your disability is.”
You cannot win on the golf course when you play scared. My training in skiing has helped me learn to set any fear of failure aside, and execute the difficult shots.
What’s your advice to other golfers with disabilities who may be looking for some tips for success?
Biggins: Hit the ball hard and practice your short game more than everyone you want to beat. Also, find an athlete with a similar disability to the one you have and pick their brain. Every one of us combats our weaknesses in a unique way. Many of us have found out-of-the-box strategies to hit impressive golf shots. That is the beauty of golf. All the ball knows is what you and the club tell it. It has no idea what your swing looks like or what your disability is.
As I referenced earlier, the disabled golf community is like a big family because everyone is willing to help newer golfers improve their games. While we all want to get better ourselves, we will always lock arms and pull the next generation of golfers with us. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
The USDGA Championship is run by the U.S. Disabled Golf Association and Presented by the PGA of America.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About PGA Golf Club
Owned and operated by the PGA of America, PGA Golf Club, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, is home to 54 holes of Championship Golf designed by legendary architects Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. As the Ultimate Golf Experience, PGA Golf Club features the best in golf instruction taught by PGA of America Golf Professionals, as well as the PGA Gallery, with memorabilia exhibits that trace the history of the game, all within one spectacular golf destination.