Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY WORLD BLIND GOLF
World Blind Golf is a Queensland-based not-for-profit registered charity that is quickly becoming the peak body for the fastest-growing all-abilities sport, Blind Golf.
The charity was formed by members of Blind Golf Queensland and is managed and operated by blind and low-vision golfers expressly for the benefit of all blind and low-vision golfers.
The charity’s main objective is to promote the sport of golf among individuals who are blind or visually impaired and to encourage their participation in the sport. World Blind Golf also facilitates golf tournaments and events specifically designed for blind and visually impaired individuals.
As World Blind Golf CEO Neil Herdegen explains, golf is a perfect sport for people who have less-than-perfect sight.
“It’s one of the few sports which use a stationary ball – after a few introductory lessons, new golfers are usually hitting the ball and having lots of laughs,” he said.
“We’ve found that golf is a great sport for blind and low-vision people as it provides a range of social and community participation opportunities.”
“It gets people outside enjoying themselves and interacting with other people who are out to enjoy the many benefits that golf provides.”
World Blind Golf has also developed a range of training methods and facilitates coaching for blind and visually impaired individuals who wish to improve their golf skills and abilities.
“It’s actually the perfect time for blind people to start golfing – we have amazing new technology that helps us be more independent on the course, such as talking GPS rangefinders, and we have the support of many local clubs and the club members have a newfound awareness that playing alongside their blind and low vision players can really make for a rewarding day of golf,” Neil said.
If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer to help our blind and visually impaired members or if, as a person with zero or limited vision, would like to experience the many benefits that golf can offer, you can get in touch with World Blind Golf through the website at http://blind.golf or send an email to [email protected].
