VertaCat Champions Take Center Stage at 2025 USGA Adaptive Open

Three exceptional adaptive golfers will showcase the power of VertaCat technology at the 2025 USGA Adaptive Open, led by two-time defending champion Max Togisala. The championship, held July 7-9 at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland, will feature 96 competitors, with Max, Ben Hulin, and Justin Blaze demonstrating how VertaCat's stand-up mobility technology enables elite-level competition.

Max Togisala: The Two-Time Champion Leading the Charge

Max Togisala returns to defend his unprecedented back-to-back USGA Adaptive Open championships. The 20-year-old from Utah has redefined what's possible in adaptive golf since his 2022 ski accident left him paralyzed. His historic 2-under-par 70 at Pinehurst in 2023—a record-setting performance now displayed in the USGA Museum—stands as testament to both his skill and the competitive advantage that VertaCat technology provides.

Max's championship journey began when fellow competitor Ben Hulin introduced him to the VertaCat. The game-changing mobility allowed Max to regain his ability to swing at full capacity and compete at the highest level. Now entering his third consecutive championship as the defending titleholder, Max represents the pinnacle of adaptive golf excellence powered by VertaCat innovation.

Ben Hulin: The VertaCat Pioneer and Advocate

Salt Lake City's Ben Hulin brings both competitive talent and advocacy leadership to this year's field. As a longtime VertaCat user, Ben played a pivotal role in introducing Max to the technology that would launch his championship career. Ben's commitment to expanding access in adaptive golf has made him a catalyst for change in the sport, and his continued presence in elite competition demonstrates the sustained performance capabilities of VertaCat technology.

Justin Blaze: PGA Professional Excellence

PGA teaching professional Justin Blaze of Glencoe, Kentucky, completes the VertaCat trio competing in the Seated Players division. As both a lifelong athlete and dedicated coach, Justin exemplifies how VertaCat enables experienced players to maintain their competitive edge. His participation highlights the evolving landscape of adaptive golf and the role that innovative mobility solutions play in keeping elite players in the game they love.

The VertaCat Advantage: Standing Tall for Championship Performance

What distinguishes VertaCat technology is its ability to lift seated players into a full standing position—a critical capability for swing mechanics, course visibility, and strategic play. For adaptive golfers, standing isn't merely symbolic; it's a genuine competitive advantage that levels the playing field.

VertaCat's engineering excellence includes a 17-degree slope rating, 15-mile range, and advanced terrain control that ensures athletes can focus entirely on performance rather than navigating physical barriers. For Max, Ben, and Justin, VertaCat serves as the essential bridge between mobility challenges and championship-caliber mastery.

Historic Television Coverage Amplifies the Message

Adding to the significance of this year's championship, Golf Channel will provide unprecedented coverage of the USGA Adaptive Open. For the first time in the event's four-year history, the final round will be broadcast live on July 9 from 2-4 p.m. ET, with additional coverage throughout the tournament week. This expanded visibility ensures that the inspiring performances of Max, Ben, Justin, and their fellow competitors reach a national audience.

A Championship That Transcends Golf

The 2025 USGA Adaptive Open represents far more than elite competition—it's a powerful demonstration of determination, skill, and the transformative impact of adaptive technology. With Max Togisala seeking his third consecutive championship using VertaCat technology, and Ben Hulin and Justin Blaze showcasing the broader community of VertaCat champions, this year's event promises to elevate the entire sport of adaptive golf.

The presence of three VertaCat users in this prestigious field underscores the technology's role in enabling world-class performance. As these athletes compete at Woodmont Country Club, they're not just pursuing individual excellence—they're proving that with the right adaptive technology, physical challenges need never define athletic limits.