The game of golf is generally thought of as a rather challenging and humbling sport. But, what does it become if you take away the ability to see the ball, the fairway, and even the green? The answer is "blind golf," and in this article I will briefly explain the fundamentals and concepts necessary to play the game without the benefit of sight.

First, let me begin by saying that the following ideas come from 20 years of experience, a number of different coaches, and lessons from several professionals. These ideas do parallel the general thinking of many blind golfers and their coaches, but special individual and team techniques are different.

Blind golf is played under USGA rules, with one exception; a club may be grounded in a hazard. It is also a team sport, and finding a person who is dedicated and willing to help is critical. A coach should have some knowledge of the game of golf.

There are many things that a player and coach learn from experience; however, there are two basics that are essential in order to become proficient. The first is to develop a good swing. This can be learned from an experienced player, but, I suggest learning from a PGA member. You will be pleasantly surprised how helpful and willing many professionals are. They are eager to take on the challenge of teaching someone who is blind. The second skill that must be worked on and developed is the "set-up". This is commonly thought of as addressing the ball; but, in blind golf it entails several more steps. A very consistent pattern, that can be used from tee to green, that allows the club head to strike the ball solidly and in the right direction, is just as important as a good swing.

Here are some suggestions that can be used in the "set-up". The player can hold a club in his hands, arms loose and about hip high; while the coach, also holding the club, points it in the right direction, maneuvering the player left or right, and back and forth in relationship to the ball. Then the coach can place the head of the club behind the ball with the player griping the club correctly. At this point the player can make small adjustments with his feet in order to be correct and comfortable in relationship to the club and ball position. Either before or after releasing the club head, and stepping back, the coach must help the player determine if other parts of a proper address are correct (shoulders on line, the ball forward or back in the stance depending on the club, hand position ahead of the ball, etc.) The routine for the "set-up" should become relatively short, with brief word exchanges, and above all a consistent pattern.

My "set-up" is slightly different, but it applies all of the principals described above. I like to get my direction and stance while the coach is firmly holding the club behind the ball. I also pay close attention to my grip at this point, since my coach will then step behind and give me any corrections
 

1.   Learning to hit the ball a long way is nice but learning exactly how far each club will travel, and doing it consistently, is far more important.

2.   Trick shots and difficult lies are especially hard for blind golfers, so the safest and easiest shot out of trouble will generally save strokes. Lengthy explanations of surroundings, and even hazards, by the coach are not usually necessary. Positive comments by the coach and just the exact distance required for the shot, especially on approach shots to the green, create the best results.

3.   Based on the information the coach has given the player it is a matter of preference whether the coach or player select the club

4.   Rarely do you find a good blind golfer who putts using the sound technique (IE. Tapping the flag stick with a club or rattling it around in the cup creating a sound target.)

5.   Having more than one coach who is familiar with the players game is great; however, having numerous over zealous friends as part time coaches usually leads to frustration.

6.   During practice sessions, when a ball is hit well, the coach should estimate the distance it traveled and tell the player, especially the short distances of 10 to 100 yards. This habit helps to continually reinforce the feel of the swing needed to execute precise shots on the course.

    To conclude, blind golf is played just like the regular game of golf but with the assistance of a coach. These special people often say they derive as much pleasure in guiding their blind golfer through 18 good or bad holes of golf, as had they played it themselves.

On a local level we try to follow the motto of the United States Blind Golf Association:
“You Don't Have To See It, To Tee It!”

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