Since celebrating his 60th birthday in June, Winnipeg’s Darcy Furber feels he is on top of the golfing world.
You will remember in 2023 Furber was inducted into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame, which he reminds his closest friends in jest when conversations get a little spicy, but now he also has a World Champion title in his back pocket if required.
In early August, Furber earned a seven stroke victory over the field to win the International Blind Golf Association B1 World Championship in Simcoe, Ontario.
“The last few years have been pretty special to say the least” says Furber. “I was shocked when I got the call for the Hall of Fame and that night is something I think about a lot. Then to win a world title, it’s been so awesome. I’ve been fortunate to play golf all over the world — it’s taken me to some beautiful places. The blind game is really growing and it’s exciting to have more people getting involved.”
Darcy’s passion for the sport began early, and he first made his mark in 1983 by winning the Manitoba High School Championship, a pivotal moment that sparked a lifelong love for golf. He continued to compete at a high level as a sighted golfer, earning spots on Manitoba’s Willingdon Cup Team in 1985 and 1992.
As his vision deteriorated, Furber transitioned into blind golf and quickly rose through the ranks, first in the B2 division, which includes golfers with up to 5% vision and now the B1 division, which is reserved for golfers who are completely blind and play using blackout glasses.
“The big challenge for me or the tough shots are when the ball is below your feet, to get a clean club on the ball” says Furber. “Everything else from tee to green I just kind of take in stride.”
He credits much of his success to his coach and brother-in-law Ron Oliver, a member at Elmhurst Golf & Country Club.
“Ron and the entire staff at Elmhurst led by Dave McMillan and Matt Lorenz have been everything to me” added Furber. “Without them, I would not have been able to get on the course and have as much in my life as I do.”
Next on the calendar, Furber is targeting the 2027 World Blind Golf Championship in Spain.
“That’s the plan, I take things day by day, so I guess we’ll see how it goes”.