'It was a feeling of what was once lost, I could still do' - FOGOLF

As golf for the vision impaired takes off in York, our reporter MAXINE GORDON finds out more

A LOUD satisfying ‘clack’ filled the green as Carol Reynard swung her putter, in a controlled pendulum style, and struck the golf ball perched in front of her trainers.

Applause broke out amid cheers of “brilliant” and “well done” as the ball rolled in a perfect line towards the flag and hole, stopping just inches away.

“Your best shot yet – amazing, what a natural!” I echoed in encouragement, as Carol smiled widely and asked: “Where did it go – I have no idea.”

Carol Reynard at the putting lesson at the VI golf session at York Golf Club. Photo: NQ

We’re on the putting green at York Golf Club at Strensall and Carol is one of half a dozen people taking part in a monthly session aimed at the partially sighted and blind.

The sessions have been organised through the charity MySight York in conjunction with Mark Rogers, the pro and coach at the Strensall club.

Following specialist training, Mark is leading the session, with everyone instructed to warm up by throwing a basketball sideways towards their volunteer ‘caddy’.

Will Blades warms up at the VI golf session at York Golf Club. Photo: NQ

“Swinging a golf club is just like throwing a ball,” says Mark, adding: “Imagine it is a bucket of water you are throwing.” This visual description soon has everyone throwing the ball straighter and building confidence.

After a few more minutes’ practice, Mark orders everyone to move – with volunteers on hand to assist – to the edge of the practice green to try their hand at putting.

Just half an hour earlier, I’d been chatting to Carol and some of the other participants over a coffee in the club house.

Carol, who is in her early 60s and lives in Haxby, said it was her first time trying golf – “and probably my last,” she added, fearing it would be too difficult and she would not enjoy it.

She has retinitis pigmentosa (RP) a genetic eye condition that, in Carol’s case, has eroded her peripheral vision meaning she can only see what is in front of her. Translated for golf, it means Carol can see the ball, but not anything too far ahead, and certainly not the putting green, fairway, or flag hole.

Sitting next to her in the cafe was Josie Clarke, also from Haxby, who has a similar eye condition.

Carol said she had never met anyone with the RP and soon the pair were chatting like old friends.

Vicky Colombi of MySight York with Josie Clarke at the putting lesson at the VI golf session at York Golf Club. Photo: NQ

Unlike Carol, Josie has been coming to the golf sessions for a few months and is hooked.

As is Will Blades, a 30 year old from Stamford Bridge who was diagnosed aged 23 with the very rare genetic condition Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), which has left him with only peripheral vision.

Will golfed when he was in his teens and admits he has been surprised that he has been able to play again.

“The first session brought memories back of when I used to play and I enjoyed it. I was surprised I could still do it.

“It is a chance to get out and at the end of the first session I felt I wanted to carry on and do it more and more.

“It was a feeling of what was once lost, I could still do.”

Will said becoming visually impaired had forced him to give up his career as a surveyor and take up a new role in lettings; it also means he cannot drive.

Putting practice at the VI Golf session. Image supplied

Moving ahead, he pointed out that one issue for visually impaired and blind people playing the sport is how they can physically get to a golf club when many are in the countryside and not on bus routes.

“And it’s not easy to bring your clubs on the bus,” said Will.

The York Golf Club location was chosen, in part, for its links to public transport, quality tuition and provision of golf clubs, said Vicky Colombi of MySight York, who was organising the day on behalf of the York charity.

Mark Rogers helps Will Blades with his grip at the VI Golf session at York Golf Club. Photo supplied

“Our volunteers are also available during every session to accompany players on the number 5 / 5a bus at every stage of the journey at a specific time from York Theatre Royal,” she said.

Back out in the practice area, participants switched out their putters for seven irons, which immediately gave the ball a bit of lift on account of its more open face. Simple and clear instructions such as “aim for two o’clock” helped the golfers direct their shots.

For the final part of the session, the group moved to the range and were encouraged to “go for it”.

It was truly inspiring watching them hit their shots.

Will showed particular talent: moving like a pro and looping ball after ball straight past the 200-yard marker.

Newcomer Carol was equally impressive, sending her balls into the air, many of them straight – and proving yet again, that she had a hidden knack for this sport.

“I totally surprised myself,” she admitted, beaming. “I can only see what is in front of me; not being able to see the hole or where the ball was going was the hardest part.

“But I will definitely come again. It has given me a confidence boost. I am amazed I could hit the ball. It is satisfying and great to be able to do something you thought you could never do.”

Josie understands that feeling too. And she said events like this were more than just about having a go at a new sport or skill. “It’s good to get out and meet people who have sight loss. You gain things from each other and don’t feel so isolated.

“It makes you feel part of a supported community.”

Will Blades at the putting lesson at the VI golf session at York Golf Club. Photo: NQ

The Vision Impaired (VI) sessions, in collaboration with York Golf Club supported and funded by England and Wales Blind Golf (EWBG) and The National Lottery Community Fund, take place on the last Wednesday of every month. Sessions will run from 2pm – 3pm, with an optional tea or coffee available from 1pm – 2pm.

To book your place as a VI golfer, or to express interest in volunteering as a caddy, please contact: hello@mysightyork.org.

Vicky said: “MySight York warmly welcomes both returning and new participants to take part in this rewarding and inclusive sport.”

‘It was a feeling of what was once lost, I could still do’

Write A Comment