The Joe Casey Pro Am Tournament, proudly hosted by the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA), is a distinguished annual event that celebrates and promotes the sport of golf among blind and low vision individuals within the MABGA community. This tournament brings together an inclusive group of blind or low vision golfers who are exclusively current members of MABGA, along with sighted coaches and local golf professionals. Together, these teams compete in a collaborative format designed to showcase skill, teamwork, and the spirit of adaptive sportsmanship.
By fostering camaraderie, friendly competition, and mutual support, the Joe Casey Pro Am Tournament exemplifies MABGA’s commitment to expanding opportunities, raising expectations, and empowering blind golfers to pursue independence, confidence, and excellence through the game of golf.
History of the MABGA Pro Am Tournament
The tournament was originally established as the MABGA Pro Am Tournament, serving as a key and longstanding event within the blind golf community in the Mid-Atlantic region. Although the exact year of its founding is not formally documented, it has been a consistent and important fixture for MABGA members over the years.
From its inception, the tournament exclusively attracted blind and low vision golfers who are members of MABGA, and it has remained an event focused on fostering community and competitive play within the organization. The tournament has never drawn players from outside the MABGA membership.
In its early years, the tournament used a two-person alternate shot format, pairing a blind or low vision golfer with a professional golfer from a local course. This format emphasized trust, communication, and precise teamwork, challenging both players to navigate the course collaboratively.
Format Redesign: Three-Person Best Ball Scramble
In 2022, longtime MABGA coach Joe Casey introduced a significant redesign of the tournament format to create a more dynamic and engaging competition. The event transitioned to a three-person best ball scramble, featuring teams comprised of:
- One blind or low vision golfer (always a current MABGA member)
- One sighted coach who offers guidance, strategic advice, and on-course assistance
- One local golf professional who brings expert play, mentorship, and support
In this scramble format, all three players tee off and the team selects the best shot to play from on each hole. This format encourages active involvement from all team members, leverages individual strengths, and adds a strategic element to the competition. It has increased enjoyment and participation across all skill levels within the MABGA community.
Joe Casey joined the MABGA board in 2023, where he continued to play a leadership role in advancing blind golf and supporting MABGA members.
Honoring Joe Casey’s Legacy
Joe Casey was a passionate advocate for blind golf and a highly respected figure within MABGA. His vision, dedication, and leadership helped reshape the tournament and strengthen the blind golf community throughout the region.
Following his passing in 2024, MABGA honored Joe’s memory and contributions by renaming the event the Joe Casey Pro Am Tournament. This tribute reflects Joe’s lasting impact and celebrates his commitment to expanding the game of golf for blind and low vision athletes.
Joe’s legacy lives on through the tournament, inspiring golfers to pursue excellence, embrace adaptive sports, and build meaningful relationships through the sport they love.
2025 Joe Casey Pro Am Tournament Details
| Date: | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
| Location: | Golden Pheasant Golf Club |
| Address: | 141 Country Club Drive Lumberton, NJ 08048 |
The 2025 Joe Casey Pro Am Tournament will be held at the beautiful and challenging Golden Pheasant Golf Club in Lumberton, New Jersey. This prestigious golf course offers a perfect setting for competitive blind golf, combining natural scenic beauty with a thoughtfully designed layout.
As a competitive event focused solely on play and skill development, the tournament is not a fundraiser. It aims to build camaraderie, athletic growth, and community connections among blind and low vision golfers, coaches, and professionals.
How to Participate
The Joe Casey Pro Am Tournament invites participation from:
- Blind and low vision golfers who are current members of MABGA, looking for a supportive and competitive experience
- Sighted coaches eager to provide guidance, encouragement, and strategic support
- Local golf professionals interested in mentoring and playing alongside blind and low vision golfers
Those interested in participating or learning more about the tournament should contact:
Leah Mullaly
Phone: 610-787-0213
Email: lmullaly1@verizon.net
Why Participate?
- Experience a challenging and enjoyable adaptive golf tournament that highlights teamwork and skill development
- Connect with fellow blind and low vision golfers, coaches, and local golf professionals to build lasting friendships
- Honor the memory and legacy of Joe Casey, whose leadership and passion continue to inspire the blind golf community
- Participate in an inclusive event that encourages confidence-building and athletic growth for golfers at all levels