Blind golf is becoming a popular sport worldwide and is continuing to grow within South Australia. The international body for blind golf was formed in 1998 and has grown from the 6 countries that first attended the World Blind Golfers Conference to the now 18 members and associate members, including Australia. Below are some adaptations that can be made for students or athletes with vision impairment when playing golf.

Like all information on this website it is important to understand that these are just possible adaptations and for further information please contact your advisory teacher or Andrew Whisson (PE teacher at the SA School for Vision Impaired).

Blind golf does not differ greatly from mainstream golf and with the exception of a few minor rules follows the same rules produced by the ‘Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’.

Blind golf relies heavily on the team work between the caddy and the golfer. While the caddy’s role is limited in mainstream golf, the caddy and golfer make a team in blind golf. In the lead up to any shot the caddy is able to describe the position of the hole to the blind golfer, indicate the direction they should aim their shot, help position the golfer to the correct line and even align the club to the ball to support the golfer to hit the ball. Once the golfer is about to take their swing the caddy must remove themselves and allow the golfer to independently swing the club.

The equipment used in blind golf is no different to that used in mainstream golf and while safety in group sessions can be a concern, placing clear and structured boundaries around student placement and timing of swings makes it a very safe sport to pursue.

Like most sports increasing the size and surface area of the equipment can help increase accuracy. So when introducing golf it may help the student or athlete with vision impairment to learn to swing a club with a tennis ball over the smaller golf ball. Once the movement is fluid and consistent it would then be possible to return to the official golf ball.

Squaring off towards a target is an important skill in all sports for students or athletes with vision impairment. Being able to square off with chest and shoulder takes some time to perfect, but there are certain techniques that can support this skill. To square off with chest it is possible to straighten both arms in front of one’s body and bring the hands together in a clapping motion with fingers tips pointing in the correct direction. If this is completed correctly the individual will have their shoulders squared off towards the target. This will allow them to hit the ball towards the hole or targeted area with an increased accuracy.

For more information contact your advisory teacher or Andrew Whisson (PE Teacher at the SA School for Vision Impaired) for more information.