Adaptive Techniques for the Visually Impaired Golfer
Tina R. MacDonald, O.D.,C.D.E
Low Vision Optometrist, The Center for the Partially Sighted
Introduction
In addressing the needs of the person with low vision, we must not ignore the importance of leisure time activities. Golf is a sport that is increasing in popularity among those of retirement age. There are several different adaptive techniques one may use to aid the visually impaired golfer. Among these are equipment modification, adaptive aids, training sessions in body awareness, and other assistance from the golf industry.
Visually impaired golf is not new. It has been around since 1925, when Clint Russell began playing golf one year after losing his vision. By early 1930, Russell had shot an 84 for 18 holes. The Veteran’s Administration has been using golf as a therapy for the visually impaired since the end of World War II.
Associations for Blind Golfers
To assist a growing number of blind golfers, the United States Blind Golf Association (USBGA) was established in 1953. BGA annual membership is US$25 for anyone who plays golf and is totally blind (B-1). Annual associate membership for the visually impaired (B-2 or B-3) is US$15. Support membership (for professionals, coaches, etc.) is US$10 annually. Its international counterpart, the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) had its first official gathering in September 1998.
The Blind and Disabled Golf Association, based in California, is another non-profit organization whose goal is to assist golfers (including juniors and seniors) acquire professional help, as well as to increase awareness of the partially sighted golfer.
Modifications to USGA Rules
For a visually impaired golfer, certain modifications have been made to USGA rules. These changes involve the use of a coach and being able to ground the club in a hazard without penalty.
Coach- a person who has the same status under the “Rules of Golf” as a caddie. A coach assists a blind golfer with addressing the ball, with alignment prior to the stroke, and with advice.
Hazards - Rule 13-4b (Grounding Club in Hazard)
Exceptions:
...Provided nothing is done which constitutes testing the condition of the hazard or improves the lie of the ball, there is no penalty if a blind golfer grounds his club in a hazard preparatory to making a stroke. However, the player is deemed to have addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.
The swing - an extremely important element in golf is a good swing. Once the ball has been addressed by slightly flexing the knees and bending forward from the hips, the spine angle should remain relatively the same as the upper body rotates through the swing. Therefore, vision is not necessary. Any golfer knows that a good swing just "feels right," as does a solid connection with the ball. Developing a good swing for a visually impaired person is the same as for a fully sighted one. It takes plenty of practice. Instruction from a PGA member is highly recommended. Many are eager to instruct a partially sighted individual.
Blind golfers actually have an advantage over golfers with "normal" vision when it comes to putting; they aren’t distracted by visual interruptions. A visually impaired golfer will step off the putting distance with the coach and gauge the slope at the same time. A player’s coach usually accounts for the lay of the green, and the player then only needs to concentrate on a straight putt and the distance to the hole.
Adaptive Aids
Non-Optical Adaptive Aids
There are several things a low vision optometrist can do for a golf enthusiast. They range from simple modifications to sophisticated devices.
One of the most important things is protection from the sun. Since UV exposure is a given, protection is always recommended. If a filter is used, a visually impaired golfer may also benefit from glare reduction. A subjective filter evaluation should be performed. Gray filters of different absorption are always popular. Since gray least distorts color, it is the best for reading "the lay of the green." Another popular choice for the visually impaired, is a blue-blocking filter such as Corning Glare Control filters. A plastic lens may also be tinted with a blue blocker. These lenses improve contrast and attenuate light at the blue end of the light spectrum.
Making modifications to equipment may also make golfing easier. Changing the ball color from traditional white can increase visibility. Neon yellow is very popular, especially in conjunction with a putter that has been painted black. Trakflite is a ball that emits a tone audible for 50 yards. Another modification is putting yellow or red marks on the club to indicate the "sweet spot." This can be accomplished by using colored electrical tape or Hi-Marks, a liquid plastic material that dries hard.
The greatest "adaptive aid" is the addition of a coach. This person, sometimes called a “guide”, gauges distances, reads the green, places the club behind the ball, and basically becomes the other half of a sports team. One need not have much golfing experience to be a coach to a visually impaired golfer. Coaches who are also golfers will also benefit from improvement to their own game, since they will have a better awareness of alignment, setups, and attention to detail.
Optical Adaptive Aids
A low vision optometrist may prescribe devices for reading, watching television, and even driving; so why not prescribe for golfing? High-powered bifocals can allow a player to record a score. Loupes, such as jeweler’s loupes, are also good. They clip on to the glasses, and can easily be swung out of the way.
Telescopes are extremely helpful. They are legal in tournament rounds as long as there are no "range finder" attachments. They are not considered artificial devices within the meaning of the term used in 14-3 of the Rules of Golf. Players can visualize the green, and also view its "lay." A monocular can be worn around the neck, or a bioptic may be prescribed.
Case Report
K.D., a 52 year old male, seen at The Center for the Partially Sighted, noted that his vision had decreased over the last few years due to retinopathy from Type II diabetes. He also complained of glare. He loved to play golf but felt he could no longer play because of his vision. Entering visual acuities were O.D. form perception, O.S. 20/80. His goal was to start golfing again and be confident enough to play 18 holes.
A vision evaluation was performed, and improvement with aided refraction allowed K.D. to see O.S. 20/50 (-5.00 D.S.). K.D. was asked to remove his prescription and was able to see the score card very well due to the effective 5.00 add. A neon light green ball was the most visible to K.D. and he was instructed to paint his putter black, and to mark the “sweet spot” of his clubs with yellow electrical tape. A filter evaluation showed a medium gray Polaroid lens to be the most beneficial in reducing glare discomfort and disability.
Finally, a 2.75x Selsi monocular was recommended for viewing the green from a distance, reading the "lay" of the green and inspecting hazard. Finally, K.D. was eager to start new lessons with a PGA professional familiar with the needs of a visually impaired golfer. Due to K.D. not having 'legally blind' status, the USGA modifications do not apply.
Tournament Schedule and Golf Web Sites
International Blind Golf Association - check here for current tournament listings
American Blind and Disabled Golf
English Blind Golf Association
United States Golf Association
Last Updated: Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 03:22:12