There was a lot of hardware to hand out in the Inaugural SCGA Adaptive Championship but the clear-cut winner of this maiden voyage was the event itself. From the collaborative title sponsorship of Callaway Golf to the incredible community that made up a 32-player field spanning 12 categories of impairments, this championship delivered in competition and droves of inspiration.
The 2025 SCGA Adaptive Championship was the culmination of a lot of planning, learning and executing, all which were years in the making. The SCGA began scouting how to conduct an adaptive event as guests of the 2023 U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst Resort. A year later, in 2024, the Association would run a qualifier on the USGA’s behalf at Goose Creek GC in Jurupa Valley.
Putting learning into practice and seeing just how viable of a venue Goose Creek GC proved to be for adaptive golfers, the SCGA confidently, soon thereafter, announced its own May 2025 championship. Callaway Golf eagerly partnered up as the presenting sponsor with a resounding commitment to the event that extends through 2027.
“Every player here is a force of inspiration to remind the world that no obstacle is insurmountable,” said Mackenzie Mack, Callaway Golf’s Director of Human Resources and Community Engagement. “Every player here is a force for change so that the industry might become more inclusive.”
No two adaptive golfers are the same and there are myriad impairment categories to reflect and foster an equitable competition. Thus, the SCGA distributed 14 first-place awards for the respective winners of their classifications (12 total categories, with two categories appearing in both the men’s and women’s fields).
“Our championships are designed to provide more opportunities for our members and communities to be inspired through golf,” remarked SCGA Executive Director, Jeff Ninnemann. “In my 20 years with this Association, I have never left a championship more impressed or inspired by what I witnessed this week.”
In addition to crowning category champions, the SCGA also awarded the overall net champions for both women and men.
Bailey Bish, of Tucson, Ariz., won the women’s side and Wellman “Kody” Conover, of Las Vegas, Nev., won for the men.
The entire championship was laden with undeniable camaraderie and fellowship in which the spirit of inclusivity and equity had top billing. Yes, these are extremely talented golfers who competed hard to win. But there were more hugs and high-fives and smiles and group photos and laughs than are typical in tournament golf. It was quite the refreshing scene.
