Get Involved

Supporting and Volunteering with EWBG is a great way to help us in our mission to transform the lives of those who are registered visually impaired or going through sight loss.

You can support us in many ways whether as a Guide, Ball Spotter, Fundraiser, Golf Club, Golf Centre, Golf Professional or Sponsor/Partner.

Not only does it benefit our members, it can introduce you to new people, experiences and opportunities while having fun.

Guide Ball Spotter Fundraiser Golf Club Golf Centre Golf Professional Sponsor & Partner

Guides

All visually impaired golfers need a guide to help them line up balls, find balls and find their way around the golf course.

The Guide/golfer relationship is a team effort and lifetime friendships are made. Our Guides tell must how much they gain by helping the golfer to play and can celebrate with them when they do well.

Top Tips for Guiding Blind Golfers

Practical Advice for Supporting Visually Impaired Players on the Golf Course

Introduction

Guiding a blind or visually impaired golfer is a rewarding experience that requires good communication, patience, and understanding. Here are some essential tips to help you provide effective and respectful guidance.

1. Communicate Clearly

Introduce yourself and explain your role as a guide.
Describe the environment, including tee box layout, hazards, and weather conditions.
Use clear, simple language and avoid jargon unless you are sure the golfer is familiar with it.

2. Establish Trust and Comfort

Ask the golfer how they prefer to be guided – some may like to hold your arm; others may prefer verbal directions.
Respect their independence and only offer physical assistance when requested.
Maintain a calm and reassuring tone throughout the round.

3. Describe Distances and Directions

Use the clock face method (e.g., “the hole is at 2 o’clock”) to indicate direction.
Clearly state yardages to the green, hazards, or other landmarks.
Give feedback on shot outcomes, such as “The ball landed just left of the fairway bunker.”

4. Assist with Alignment and Stance

Help the golfer position their feet and club behind the ball as needed.
Check alignment with them before each shot, ensuring they are aiming correctly.
Describe the lie of the ball and any potential obstacles in their swing path.

5. Maintain Safety at All Times

Watch out for hazards like bunkers, water, or uneven ground, and guide the golfer safely around them.
Alert the golfer to approaching golf carts or other players.
Ensure clubs and other equipment are placed out of tripping range.

6. Be Patient and Supportive

Allow a little extra time for decision-making and movement around the course.
Celebrate successes and offer encouragement after challenging shots.
Be respectful of the golfer’s pace and preferences throughout the round.

7. Respect Golf Etiquette

Stay quiet and still when the golfer is preparing to swing.
Assist in keeping up with the pace of play without causing stress.
Ensure both you and the golfer remain courteous and considerate to other players.

8.v Communicate Clearly and Honestly

Always use clear verbal instructions and maintain open dialogue about upcoming shots and hazards on the course. Adapt your guidance to suit the golfer’s communication preferences and remain attentive to their feedback and needs.

9. Know the Rules of Golf

As you will be marking the card of another golfer you should have a knowledge of the R&A Rules of Golf. Downloading the R&A rules app is very useful.

Conclusion

Guiding a blind golfer is about collaboration, trust, and mutual enjoyment of the game. Following these tips will help create a positive and inclusive golfing experience for everyone involved.

Ball Spotters

Do you enjoy helping others, walking, fresh air, meeting new people? Then you would be perfect to help as ball spotter.

You need no knowledge of golf, all you need is a keen set of eyes. An enjoyment of walking and fresh air and the desire to meet new people ad help them enjoy the sport they love.

Ball spotters are allocated to a pairing and walk round the course with them. Many spotters return again and again and are awed by the experience. All our members have said how much they have appreciated having Ball spotters

Fundraisers

There are many ways to raise funds and we desperately need help so we can provide golf tournaments for our members to enjoy.

Could you organise a golf day?

If you are a Club Captain, consider EWBG as the Captains Charity.

Join our fund-raising team and help us to find other ways to fund our activities.

Clubs

Offer your course for a venue for one of our events. We are looking for venues in all areas of England and Wales.

Arrange an event between your club and visually impaired golfers to help with awareness.

Help us to raise funds by including us in a golf day or offering a 4 ball voucher.

Be willing to encourage a visually impaired golf as a member of your club.

Golf Centres

We are looking for Golf Centres who are willing to host Have a Go Days for the visually impaired.

Many golfers think they will need to give up the sport once they start to lose their sight. Events like Have a Go days help to encourage more men, women and children to come back to or start their golf journey.

Golf Professionals

Help visually impaired golfers to adapt to their change in circumstances.

Help visually impaired golfers to start playing golf.

Be prepared to be the professional in your area who will help in this way.

Anders Mankert at Leicester Golf Centre has been teaching Visually impaired golfers for many years and is always happy to share his experiences.

Sponsors & Partners

Sponsorship can be more than just donating money to a good cause.

Would you be able to sponsor one of our events, or a hole at one of our events?

Do you allow employees paid time to volunteer? If so, please encourage them to volunteer with us.

A day helping blind golfers would be a great team building exercise.