Sophia Howard of Hudsonville, MI became the first repeat winner of the Ohio Adaptive Open Championship, taking the Women’s Overall title in both 2024 and 2025. Her most recent victory was a nail-biter, as Howard holed a 22-foot birdie putt at the final hole to close out the win over Cassie Sengul of Manassas, VA, who moments before had stuffed her final approach shot to three feet looking to tie.

The 2025 OAO Men’s Overall title also went down to the final hole, as Michael Came from Chicago, IL held off the inaugural OAO champion Jarrett Fultz from Queen Creek, AZ by a single shot. Fultz posted a Sunday 72 to set the clubhouse total mark at 4-over par. But with a Saturday 70 and a front-nine 35 on Sunday, Came built up a huge lead, sitting at 2-under par total with three holes to play. Came used all of that cushion, getting the job done by finishing 3-over par for the championship.

About the OAO

Fresh off its support of the United States Golf Association’s inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open Championship in Pinehurst in 2022, the Northern Ohio Golf Association (NOGA) partnered with Cleveland Metroparks Golf to start an Adaptive Open in the state of Ohio.

The inaugural Ohio Adaptive Open Championship was played August 5 – 6, 2023 at the Cleveland Metroparks’ Seneca Golf Course in Broadview Heights. Twenty men and three women competed for an overall championship, plus contests for eight impairment category titles.

Entry into the Ohio Adaptive Open was available to all male and female golfers age 18 or older, professional or amateur, who have a physical, vision, or neurological impairment. The event offered an individual stroke play format in a variety of divisions, allowing all players to feel the thrill of competition among their peers. The tournament was conducted using the USGA’s recently established Rules for Golfers with Disabilities.

To conduct a successful adaptive golf event, NOGA relied on its experience in operating The Turn, the organization’s charitable arm that helps local individuals with disabilities use golf as a way to improve their daily lives. The staff at The Turn is highly knowledgeable in assisting golfers as they pursue their passion for the game.

John T. Reis Foundation Joins the Effort

A private foundation primarily focusing on promoting college golf programs and junior and amateur golf associations, the John T. Reis Foundation agreed to act as the Presenting Sponsor for the Ohio Adaptive Open starting with the second event in 2024. The foundation recently renewed that commitment, agreeing to again support the event in a major role in 2025.

2025 OAO SUPPORTERS