ZUPNIK & ROBERTS ELECTED TO UNITED STATES HALL OF FAME

The United States Deaf Golf Association is pleased to announce the election of 2 new members to the United States Deaf Golf Association Hall of Fame.  The “Class of 2009” will raise the total membership in the USDGA Hall of Fame to 13.   Susan Zupnik and Bill Roberts will be inducted into the USDGA Hall of Fame on Friday, July 17, 2009.  The induction ceremony will take place at Pelican Lakes Country Club in Windsor, Colorado.  There will be a reception for family and friends beginning at 6:00 PM with the inductions to follow at 8:00 PM.   

Susan Zupnik

Born and raised in New Jersey, Susan was hooked into the world of golf through her father.  Her father was P.E. Instructor and avid golfer who spent considerable time teaching golf to her only child that helped her earn NJDGA low gross championship four times with numerous Flight A & B championships.

Her accomplishments extended well beyond her home state.  She competed both men and women’s divisions winning Connecticut State DGA several times, winning once at Bay State DGA, Empire State DGA.  She competed at Midwest Ladies Deaf Golf Association twice winning one.  She participated in National Deaf Golf Association from 1992 through 1999, United States Deaf Golf Championship 2001 through 2007.  She placed second in USDGA Women’s Division twice before winning championship in 2007.  She went on to compete in World Deaf Golf Championship in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 & 2008.  She has assisted her team winning ladies’ championships four times and individual championship once.

Jim Hynes, the long time golfing world leader and USDGA Hall of Fame inductee said Susan has been a valuable person, both as player and leader who worked tirelessly to enhance the golfing world for the Deaf locally and internationally.     

Bill Roberts

Bill Roberts of Bolivar, MO compiled an impressive list of accomplishments as an amateur player in Missouri.  He competed against top hearing golfers in Missouri winning several times including winning 1996 Missouri State Amateur 4-ball while finishing 2^nd twice.  Also he won City Championship in Springfield, MO.  He went on competing in Missouri State Mid-Amateur placing 3^rd and 4^th several times.  He has played in many SW Missouri scramble tournaments and won them over hundred times since mid 1980’s.  He has won 12-13 club championships in match and stroke play, has lost only one club championship final match, only because the winner went 12 under par over 32 holes.

He has competed at regional and national levels, winning prestigious Midwest Deaf Golf Association championship 7 times and won 1992 FarWest DGA,  1991 SouthWest DGA and several Missouri DGA.  He entered and won National DGA five times, placing second three times.  Playing United States Deaf Golf Championship four times, he won twice with runner up position once.

A fellow competitor, Keith Worek has noted Bill to be calm and consistent golfer with excellent attitude on or off golf course.   He has demonstrated excellent personal disposition which made him a classic Deaf golf model in the golfing world.