I’ ve been able to travel around the U. S. and play some very prestigious courses all while playing competitive rounds with some amazing golfers who are so inspiring to see play given their impairments.
THE
COMPETITORS
The U. S. Adaptive Open is a national championship for golfers with disabilities. Run by the United States Golf Association, the Open was developed following a pledge in 2017 to establish the event. The inaugural Adaptive Open was held in Pinehurst, N. C., in 2022. While clinics and play days attract most adaptive golfers, championships such as the U. S. Adaptive Open appeal to the competitive nature of others.
JASON
HASTY
VSGA( 3); USGA( HASTY)
Jason Hasty, who was born with a congenital deformity which caused the fingers on his left hand not to develop above the knuckles, says playing adaptive golf events and being part of the community has been some of the most fun he ' s ever had playing golf.
“ I’ ve been able to travel around the U. S. and play some very prestigious courses all while playing competitive rounds with some amazing golfers who are so inspiring to see play given their impairments. I’ ve made so many lasting memories and friends over the last three years of playing adaptive golf,” Hasty said.
A 43-year-old resident in Chester, Hasty is a member of the Country Club of Petersburg.
Hasty played an early role in the VSGA plan. He connected with VSGA executive director Matt Smiley in February 2024 and expressed interest in helping the VSGA create an adaptive golf program with clinics and the hope of one day hosting a tournament in Virginia. The inaugural season in 2025 featured clinics in Richmond, Williamsburg, and Northern Virginia.
Bryan Rourke, who manages all the adaptive golf fittings, and PING earned kudos from Hasty, who missed the cut at the U. S. Adaptive Open, for their commitment to ensuring anyone with any impairment can play the game.
“ The equipment they’ ve designed for golfers is amazing,” Hasty said.
I’ ve been able to travel around the U. S. and play some very prestigious courses all while playing competitive rounds with some amazing golfers who are so inspiring to see play given their impairments.
vsga. org M ARCH / A PRIL 2026 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 23