A message from the United States Blind Golf Association (USBGA):
Over the years, several USBGA members have exhibited great talent in the game of golf — names like Charley Boswell and Joe Lazaro — but none more talented than Pat Browne, Jr.
We take great pride that Pat has been nominated for induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in the category of Lifetime Achievement. The joy we have in Pat’s nomination is enhanced by the knowledge that he was nominated by Mr. Arnold Palmer.
Pat Browne, Jr. lost his sight in a car accident in 1966. He went on to have a successful career, to start a wonderful family and to become the most successful blind golfer of all time. He amassed over 70 worldwide blind golf victories, including 23 National Championships. He was also the first blind golfer to ever record a hole-in-one at the historic 7th hole of the San Francisco Golf Club.
As an ambassador to the great game of blind golf, he played a 9-hole exhibition match with two-time U.S. Open Champion, Payne Stewart in 1990. Mr. Stewart was blindfolded for the entire match and played with the aid of a coach. He shot a score of 60, while Pat shot a brilliant 42. A few days afterwards, Mr. Stewart told a friend, “If I practiced every day, I still could not beat Pat Browne!”
For decades, Pat Browne’s champion spirit has served the world of golf. He has used his success to support numerous organizations, including Guiding Eyes for the Blind and the USBGA. His achievements are a testament to the human spirit – a reminder that life’s obstacles cannot prevent us from pursuing our dreams and excelling in what we love.
You can honor his passion, his skill, and his courage by helping to achieve election to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Please send a note to Letters@wghof.org with Pat Browne, Jr. in the subject line. Please vote now to insure Pat is recognized in a world where he excelled.
Pat Browne’s career highlights:
- Shot rounds of 75,74,79,75 in 1980 at Mission Hills Golf Club, Palm Springs, CA which is the lowest four consecutive rounds ever by a totally blind golfer
- Shot 80 in 1979 at Pinehurst #2 in North Carolina
- Shot 85 in 1980 at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland
- Shot 36 in 1982 on the back nine at Bryan Municipal Park GC, Greensboro, NC which is the lowest 9-hole score in USBGA competition history
- Won 23 USBGA National Championships between 1975 – 2005; 20 of which were won consecutively from 1978-1997
- Won 24 Corcoran Cup titles — 16 of which were won consecutively.
- Recorded over 70 blind golf victories worldwide
- President of the USBGA, 1974 – 1992
- Elected to the TulaneUniversity Athletic Hall of Fame, 1983
- Ben Hogan Award Winner (presented by the Golf Writers Association of America), 1988
- Elected to the Sugar Bowl Athletic Hall of Fame, 1995
- Elected to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, 1998
- Mary Bea Porter Award Winner (presented by the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association), 2007
