Indiana Golf Association
Whitestown, IN (May 4-5, 2024) – The Indiana Golf Association (IGA) hosted the highly anticipated third annual Indiana Adaptive Championship at the Golf Club of Indiana in Whitestown over the weekend. The championship attracted 28 competitors from nine states and two Canadian provinces, highlighting the increasing interest and participation in adaptive golf across the region.
Evan Mathias of Indianapolis, secured victory in the Overall Men’s Division, prevailing in a four-hole playoff against Robby Donarski of Franklin, Wisconsin. Mathias, the defending champion, commended the level of competition and the challenging nature of the course.
“Robbie really made the day fun,” Mathias said. “It was a back and forth all day long, with anything possible… Just consistency was [the strongest part of my game] this week. I only missed four greens all weekend, I didn’t three putt, and only had one bad swing all day.”
Mathias was consistent. His weekend round showed three bogeys, all from round one. Between his 36 holes, Mathias had eight birdies, and 25 pars to secure a score of -5 for the weekend.
Mathias was born with congenital defects to both legs and has been on prosthetics since he was one year old. He competed in the 2022 and 2023 U.S. Adaptive Opens, winning the Multiple Leg division last year and closing out the event 29th overall. He also holds a ParaLong Drive record of 398 yards. Mathias will compete in the 2024 U.S. Adaptive Open.
This July, Mathias will play in the Cairns Cup held at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Michigan.
“It’s a disabled Ryder Cup between the US and Europe so each team is going to have different sport categories in terms of disabilities. And then we have to build a team based on a different number of actual golf handicap ranges.”
Playing in the 0-5 handicap range, Evan Mathias will represent Team USA.
Nancy Towers of Downers Grove, Illinois was the Overall Women’s Division Champion.
Alan Gentry of Louisville, Kentucky took home the victory in the Overall Senior Division. Gentry had three birdies and 20 pars during his weekend in Whitestown. Johannes Grames of Vancouver was three strokes behind Gentry this weekend.
Many of this tournament’s participants will be playing in the United States Golf Association (USGA) Adaptive Open Qualifier at Broadmoor Country Club on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. The Adaptive Open is open to male and female professional and amateur golfers, with a Handicap Index of 36.4 or less, and an eligible impairment confirmed by a WR4GD Pass. With multiple sets of tees, the championship is contested over 54 holes of stroke play.
The Indiana Adaptive Championship aligns with the IGA’s commitment to promoting amateur golf through inclusivity and accessibility. Recent research conducted by the National Center on Accessibility at Indiana University, in collaboration with Clemson University, reveals promising trends in adaptive golf participation. While 10 percent of individuals with disabilities currently play golf, a significant 35 percent express interest in learning the sport, highlighting the potential for further growth and engagement.
Divisions
- Above Knee (G1) – Johannes Grames
- Below Knee (G2) – Josh Williams
- Multiple Leg (G3) – Evan Mathias
- Arm-Unassisted (G4) – Alan Gentry
- Arm-Assisted (G5) – Jonathan Snyder
- Arm & Leg Imp. (G7) – Tracy Ramin
- CP/MD (G8) – Robby Donarski
- Visual (G11, G12, G13) – Kenny Gentile
- Short Stature (G14) – Ethan Crough
- ID (G15) – John Mullins
- Overall Senior – Alan Gentry
- Overall Men’s – Evan Mathias
- Overall Women’s – Nancy Towers
About The Indiana Golf Association
The Indiana Golf Association (IGA) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting and supporting amateur golf in Indiana. As one of 59 allied golf associations recognized by the USGA, the IGA administers various programs and championships, including the USGA handicap and course rating system.