Golf Ireland and Vision Sports Ireland have launched a new educational resource to make it easier for people who are blind or vision-impaired to take up and enjoy the game.
The initiative includes an educational video and an accompanying Blind Golf Guide, providing practical advice for golfers, caddies and volunteers interested in acting as a sighted guide.
The resources form part of Golf Ireland’s Golf4All programme and the Vision Sports Ireland knowledge hub. They are designed to equip potential guides with the knowledge and confidence to support a golfer who is blind or vision-impaired, while also helping golf clubs create more inclusive local environments.
The relationship between a golfer and their sighted guide or caddie is central to blind golf.
The golfer executes each shot independently, while the guide describes the hole, identifies hazards, assists with club selection and provides information on alignment, distance and terrain.
By explaining that role and outlining the practical steps involved, Golf Ireland and Vision Sports Ireland hope to strengthen the pathway for people who are blind or vision impaired to participate in golf and become members of their local clubs.
“We were delighted to work with Vision Sports Ireland on the creation of a resource for golfers on how to be a guide for a visually impaired golfer,” said Golf Ireland EDI Manager Deborah Madden.
“It is an important piece of work for the inclusion of visually impaired people in golf and directly links into Golf Ireland’s Golf4All programme.
“Golf is one of the most accessible games for people with disabilities in sport, and this resource is part of our strategic remit to open the game up to as many people as possible.”
Madden also believes that becoming a guide can provide existing golfers with a new perspective on both the sport and the golf course.
“The Blind Golf Guide opens up a new aspect of the game for existing golfers,” she said.
“Being a guide for a visually impaired golfer can make you view the course and the game in a totally different way and can help improve your own game.
“But most of all, it helps visually impaired people access golf and creates partnerships between the sighted and visually impaired communities.”
Vision Sports Ireland Education, Training and Participation Coordinator Sean Poland described the development of the digital resources as a significant step towards the organisation’s ambition to ensure that people who are blind or vision-impaired can access sport and physical activity within their own communities.
“Collaborating with Golf Ireland and golfers with a vision impairment in developing a suite of digital resources for new and existing guides and caddies is a huge step forward,” he said.
“This set of resources provides information, rules and practical tips for guiding and caddying golfers who may be blind or vision impaired and is accessible for all golf clubs across the country.
“These resources will help ensure that inclusive sport and physical activity opportunities are available within local communities.”
The launch was supported by a Blind Golf Guide Workshop held by Golf Ireland and Vision Sports Ireland at The Heath Golf Club in Portlaoise on Saturday.
The workshop covered vision impairment awareness, effective communication, guiding techniques, shot alignment and navigation around the golf course.
The combination of freely available digital information and practical training is intended to develop a wider network of guides and caddies around the country.
It also gives golf clubs a tangible way to build on their commitments around equality, diversity and inclusion by providing an opportunity that can be delivered locally and with the support of existing club members.
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