Kevin Hall’s journey in golf is anything but ordinary. As one of the few deaf professional golfers competing at high levels of the sport, Hall has built a career defined by resilience, skill, and perspective that resonates far beyond the fairways.
In December 2025, Hall sat down with host JJ Jones to talk about his golf journey, what drives him, and how he continues to push boundaries both on and off the golf course. From wins on the APGA Tour to navigating communication and competition, Hall’s story is a powerful reminder that determination and focus can rise above any challenge.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding His Path
Kevin Hall lost his hearing at age two due to illness, a moment that could have ended many athletic dreams before they began. Instead, it became the start of an extraordinary story. Hall picked up golf at age nine and never looked back, eventually earning a scholarship to The Ohio State University, where he became the first African American golfer in the school’s history and won the Big Ten Championship by 11 shots.
In his conversation with JJ Jones, Hall reflected on how that early struggle shaped his approach to the game:
“It’s never really gotten in my way. I communicate through sign language, lip reading, or typing out my thoughts. Golf is as mental as it is physical, and I’ve learned to lean into what I can control.”
His perspective highlights how adaptability and mental fortitude are core parts of his competitive edge.
Competing on the APGA Tour and Beyond
Kevin Hall’s professional career includes multiple wins on the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour, where he’s not just a competitor but an inspiration to many. In 2025, Hall was recognised with the APGA Adrian Stills Award, an honour voted on by his peers that celebrates his impact on and off the course, as well as his rise as a role model for aspiring golfers.
Talking about competing week in and week out, Hall shared:
“Every tournament is another chance to measure where I am and keep working toward the next goals. Winning feels great, but the process and growth matter just as much.”
His success on the APGA circuit has also brought opportunities to tee it up in bigger events and gain exposure that reaches beyond niche tours.
Communication, Focus, and Mental Game
One of the most fascinating parts of Hall’s story is how he manages the unique communication challenges that come with professional golf. On the course, Hall uses a mix of sign language, lip reading, and written notes with his caddie and playing partners. What many fans may not realise is how this reliance on visual communication actually lends itself to an unusual strength: total focus on each shot.
As Hall explained:
“I don’t hear the crowd or the chatter. When you can’t hear noise, you learn to focus more on what you see, what you feel, and what your body is doing. That’s helped my process under pressure.”
This aligns with what Hall has shared in past interviews and coverage, where he noted that silence can actually be an asset in competition.
Representation and Inspiration
Beyond his golf results, Kevin Hall’s visibility matters. He’s been an important figure for both the deaf community and golfers from underrepresented backgrounds. His presence at professional events brings awareness to the idea that golf is a sport for a wide range of athletes, and that barriers can be overcome with commitment and support.
Looking Ahead
As Kevin Hall continues his golf career in 2026 and beyond, his goals remain focused and ambitious. Whether it’s competing for more wins on the APGA Tour, earning chances at PGA or Korn Ferry Tour events, or simply pushing his own standards higher, Hall’s mindset is consistent:
“Golf has taught me that adversity isn’t something to fear, it’s something to work through. I want my story to show people what’s possible when you don’t give up.”
With an ongoing commitment to his craft, Hall represents both excellence and inspiration — not just for golfers, but for anyone aiming to redefine expectations in their field.
