Leader Dogs Classic, Inc.

Host Of The

HEATHER FARR LEADER DOG GOLF CLASSIC

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A Brief History of the Leader Dogs Classic

The Leader Dogs Classic is a non-profit, tax exempt organization founded as the Heather Farr Leader Dog Classic in 1991 and is incorporated in Arizona.

It was founded to benefit blind and visually impaired people.

The needs of people with vision loss has been changing for many years, and the history of the Leader Dogs Classic is the just one way to provide an opportunity for those people experiencing vision loss with a companion.

With the leadership of Joe Nessinger, the World Champion Blind Golfer of 1991, and blind since he was young, he founded an organization with the goal of furthering his enjoyment of his own companion from Leader Dogs For The Blind®.  He wanted to not only provide for another visually impaired person a companion, but also educate the public on blindness, and that life can still be enjoyed through recreational golf.

After starting his fund-raising through a golf tournament in the 1990's, where he invited fellow visually-impaired friends to join him in Arizona and raise funds for Leader Dogs For The Blind®.  Over the course of a few years, he attracted the attention of other visually-impaired people who wanted to play golf, and then Heather Farr.  Heather was so impressed  with Joe's efforts, she agreed to lend her name to what is now known as the Heather Farr Leader Dog Classic, held each year in May.  The monies raised during the year, and at the Annual Golf Classic are directed to Leader Dogs For the Blind®, to help provide funding for guide dog for a very deserving individual.  Joe himself is now enjoying the company of his third dog, Wally.

Because our Classic is a sanctioned regional blind golf tournament by the US Blind Golf Association, it is possible for blind golfers to earn a spot in the invitational Ken Venturi Guiding Eyes Classic, the "Masters" of blind golf, in Mount Kisco, New York, which has been in existence since 1978. In addition, the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) hosts a world championship biennially in one of the 9 member countries.  This is the one the Joe Nessinger triumphed in 1991.

From its start the Heather Farr Leader Dog Classic has demonstrated a commitment to providing access for people with vision loss who want to enjoy golf.

Historical Facts

  • May 1991: The first Arizona Golf Classic
  • May 2004: The introduction of the Million Dollar Hole-In-One Shoot Out

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Comments or feedback, please direct to WEBMASTER. Leader Dogs Classic, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) Arizona Charitable Organization.