16/08/2026
U.S. Deaf Golf Association at the 15th World Deaf Golf Championships Recap
The 15th World Deaf Golf Championships (WDGC) in 2026 was an unforgettable event for USA Deaf Golf, bringing together some of the world’s best deaf golfers at the beautiful Barsebäck Resort in southern Sweden.
The championship attracted a record international field, with golfers representing 21 countries. The event featured four days of competition and celebrated the talent, determination, and sportsmanship of deaf golfers from around the world.
Team USA had the opportunity to compete at Barsebäck Resort, one of Sweden’s premier golf destinations and a spectacular setting along the Öresund coast. The resort features two championship courses: the Ocean Course and the Pine Course. The Ocean Course, used for the men’s and women’s Open championships, is a challenging layout combining forest, parkland, and seaside golf. It has hosted major international events, including the 2003 Solheim Cup. The Pine Course, used for the senior competitions, winds through beautiful Scandinavian pine forests. The setting, challenging courses, international field, and strong Deaf golf community made this a truly special World Championship experience.
The United States was represented by 15 golfers competing across the men’s, women’s, and senior divisions.
The USA had four women competing in the Women’s Open division. Ashlyn Johnson led the USA women’s team and delivered a strong individual performance. As a team, the USA women finished 3rd out of five teams, earning a place on the podium. Ashlyn brought significant international experience to the championship, including previous World Deaf Golf Championship and Deaflympics experience. The women’s team’s third-place finish was an excellent result against a strong international field.
The USA Men’s Open team also had four golfers competing.
Pono Tokioka led the USA men individually, finishing 6th overall. Pono brings strong competitive experience to the team, including playing Division I college golf at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. As a team, the USA men finished 5th out of seven teams.
The USA was represented by three women in the senior division. Angela Martin had an outstanding championship, finishing 2nd out of 11 competitors and earning an individual silver medal. There was no Women’s Senior team competition, making Angela’s runner-up finish an important individual achievement for USA Deaf Golf.
The USA had four men competing in the senior division.
McGowin Miller delivered one of the biggest performances of the championship, winning the Men’s Senior individual title by more than 10 strokes. The USA Men’s Senior team also captured 1st place, continuing an incredible run of success. This marked the USA’s seventh consecutive Men’s Senior team championship. McGowin’s victory also continued the USA’s dominance in the individual Men’s Senior competition, with the United States winning the title for the fourth consecutive time.
Overall, Team USA had an impressive World Deaf Golf Championship:
- 15 USA golfers represented the United States in Sweden.
- Women’s Open: 3rd out of 5 teams.
- Men’s Open: 5th out of 7 teams.
- Women’s Senior: Angela Martin finished 2nd out of 11.
- Men’s Senior: McGowin Miller won the individual championship by more than 10 strokes.
- Men’s Senior Team: USA finished 1st.
- USA continued its remarkable seven-consecutive-championship run in the Men’s Senior team competition.
- USA extended its dominance in the Men’s Senior individual championship to four consecutive victories.
Beyond the medals and team results, the championship gave 15 USA Deaf golfers the opportunity to represent their country, compete against the world’s best deaf golfers, and strengthen friendships throughout the international Deaf golf community.
The 15th WDGC demonstrated once again how far Deaf golf has grown. With record participation, 21 countries represented, and a world-class venue such as Barsebäck, the championship provided a memorable stage for athletes from around the world.
For Team USA, the combination of individual medals, team success, and continued senior-division dominance made Sweden another important chapter in the history of USA Deaf Golf.
Congratulations to all 15 USA golfers for representing the United States with pride at the 15th World Deaf Golf Championships!
World Deaf Golf Championships 2026 World Deaf Golf Federation The R&A USA Deaf Sports Federation Barsebäck Golf Deaflympics Svenska Dövidrottsförbundet
