United States Deaf Golf Association

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October 3, 1949 – July 6, 2023

 

 Across the country and the world of Deaf Golf is saddened to hear of the loss of James Hynes this week.  Jim was a long-time member of the golfing community, beginning with the Baton Rouge Country Club in Louisiana where he grew up.  Arnold Palmer even mentioned him in his book.  Jim’s father had written to him thanking him for taking time and inspiring his son.  Jim’s love for golf took him all the way to Gallaudet University, Washington, DC where he made his mark in college varsity golf and eventually around the country and the world where he competed in tournaments.   He was so good at teaching and helping set up golfing events that people came to him for his advice and help.  While he was an accomplished player in his own right, he was also the ultimate volunteer whose dedication and service were unmatched.  His special organization was the Southwest Deaf Golf Association (SWDGA) which included his home state, Louisiana, where he won the championship in 1977 and again in 1990.  He served the National Deaf Golf Association (NDGA) as its Executive Director and founded the United States Deaf Golf Association (USDGA) so the organization would be able to compete in the World Deaf Golf Championships in 1995.  While leading USDGA, he went on to become Vice President and Board member for World Deaf Golf Federation (WDGF) from 1996-2006.  He chaired a second World Deaf Golf Championship in Butler, PA in 1998.  With him as Chef de Mission in 1996, 2000 & 2006, his USA team and players brought home several championship trophies.  He was known and loved by all the players and volunteers at host sites in the United States and around the world.  His favorite activity was to demonstrate to his audience how to get balls out of bunkers which never failed him!  The respect and appreciation of the organizations he has served has been recognized in many ways.  He was inducted into the United States DGA Hall of Fame during its first Hall of Fame year in 2007.  Jim was truly concerned for everyone he met, a friend to all, and an exemplary model for all to emulate.  We will miss his smile, his amazing sense of humor and his infectious laugh.   We will miss him in more ways than can be counted!