Rediscovering Golf After Sight Loss

Early Passion for Golf and the Onset of Blindness

I began playing golf over forty years ago, and it quickly became a central part of my life. Unfortunately, blindness brought my golfing journey to an abrupt end. Despite this, my passion for the sport has been rekindled, thanks to the support of England and Wales Blind Golf.

The First Signs: A Family Moment and Sudden Symptoms

In 2017, I remember visiting my daughter’s newly decorated bedroom as we anticipated the arrival of our grandson. I noticed the windows needed cleaning, so I placed my fingers on the glass, running them up and down, but nothing changed. There was confusion as I tried to explain that a brown tint had appeared around my left eye. Out of caution, we went to the local hospital. There, I began to notice what seemed like fireworks – bright lights flashing in my left eye.

After waiting to see a nurse, she asked me to read the signs on the wall. My response was, “What wall?” She quickly realised the seriousness, saying it was out of her remit. I was then examined by a consultant, who performed an emergency procedure to save the sight in my left eye. While the sight was saved, I lost my central vision and was left with only peripheral vision. It was later revealed I’d suffered a TIA – a transient ischaemic attack, or mini-stroke.

Continuing Life and Work Despite Setbacks

Despite the shock, I carried on with my career, which involved extensive travel and regular weekend golf at club level. I was looking forward to retiring in 2019, hoping for many more years of golf.

Retirement and Further Vision Loss

By 2020, I had been retired for two months when one evening, as I looked at my hand resting on the armchair, I asked my wife if my hand was turning black. She reassured me it wasn’t, but I sensed something was wrong. We decided to go to the hospital, where several specialists examined my eyes. The department was busy, but eventually a consultant gave me a thorough examination and discovered that the pressure in my right eye was extremely high.

To my surprise, it wasn’t my left eye causing trouble this time, but my right. I was diagnosed with a severe attack of glaucoma affecting both eyes, leading to my registration as blind and the end of my driving days. It was hardly the retirement I’d envisioned.

Realising the Signs of Vision Loss

Looking back, I now recognise the signs I missed. We bought a new PlayStation 5, and while everyone marvelled at the graphics, I found the visuals unimpressive. I upgraded to a larger monitor for my computer, hoping it would help, but saw little improvement. Even after purchasing a widescreen 4K HD TV, I didn’t notice much difference in clarity. On the road, I thought the new LED headlights in my car weren’t very bright, and the windscreen wipers didn’t seem to keep up in the rain. Roadside lights took on a cream hue rather than appearing clear and white. All these were clear indicators of my failing eyesight, though I didn’t realise it at the time.

Leaving Golf Behind

Determined to continue playing, I had to rely on others to get me to the golf course. For a while, this arrangement worked, but I soon found that not everyone was comfortable with a blind golfer on the course. Many players were more focused on their own games, and I often felt the tension when I needed assistance. Eventually, I decided it was too much and put my golf clubs away, convinced my days on the course were behind me.

Finding a Way Back to the Game

After three years without golf, my brother invited me to the Meon Valley Golf and Country Club in Hampshire, where England and Wales Blind Golf were hosting a competition and clinic. I was reluctant, content to be left in my own company, but decided to attend. At the clinic, I was amazed by the skill and positivity of the other blind and visually impaired golfers. Everyone was encouraging and supportive, and there was no judgement about poor shots—only a positive, uplifting atmosphere.

Seeing an opportunity, I decided to join the charity and completed the necessary paperwork. England and Wales Blind Golf (EWGB) brought me back to the game, although it did mean investing in a new set of clubs. Getting to and from events can be challenging, but with help, it’s manageable. My sight is now so limited that I can only see blurred shapes three or four metres ahead. The simple joys of watching the ball travel or navigating the course are gone, and I must rely on others for guidance.

The Importance of Support

Despite the challenges, it’s the camaraderie and support that make all the difference. Meeting new people when you can’t see them and they can’t see you is strange, but it’s easy to make friends. Without the support of others, I simply wouldn’t be able to play golf.

I depend on my team for help with every aspect of the game—finding the ball, choosing clubs, and navigating the course. My wife, Ruth, who never enjoyed golf, has learned to guide and support me. Our friend Tessa has been invaluable with transport and assistance, while our cousin Andy, an experienced golfer, now acts as my guide and is incredibly supportive. We haven’t won any trophies yet, but without them, playing would be impossible. Many others need similar support to continue playing the game they love.

Encouragement and Appeal for Support

New members are always welcome to join the charity. To ensure everyone can enjoy the game, we need more volunteers—ball spotters, guides, and sponsors. Anyone willing to help can make a huge difference, enabling people like me to get out in the fresh air and embrace this fantastic, though challenging, sport.