Golf for the Physically Challenged

By Daniel Shube

Just finding the time to play golf is challenging enough for me...forget about bringing my score down to a respectable number! Recently, I had the opportunity to play with golfers who don't back down from a true challenge. For those of you who are frustrated by your shotmaking abilities, take a moment and imagine what it's like to play golf without your vision. Or, without the use of one or more limbs. It may seem hard to fathom, but there are many golfers out there doing just that. And they play a pretty good game.

A coach helps line up a shot. A few weeks ago, I played in a tournament hosted by the United States Blind Golfers Association (USBGA) at Grand Harbor Golf Club in Vero Beach. Each team consisted of a pro from an area course (I was teamed with Eric Veilleux from Golden Bear Golf Club at Hammock Creek), 3 amateurs and one blind or visually impaired golfer. The visually impaired/ blind golfers played 6 holes with a foursome - then traded to another team. Each blind golfer has a coach who is trained to assist in lining up the shot. The results are quite remarkable. Sure there were some stray shots, but more often than not, they were hit by me. Sinking a 15 foot breaking putt, without vision, was not uncommon to find. This event was held in conjunction with the Florida Championships. The Partially Sighted Division was won by Arthur Beauregard (81); National Totally Blind Division, Jim Baker (115); Florida Totally Blind Division, Bob Andrews (111).

Being a part of this event was a tremendous experience, one I wholeheartedly recommend. Local tournaments like this one are staged from time-to-time. For information about participating, or about the USBGA call Joe McCourt at 561-569-3494.

I was also fortunate to attend a golf clinic presented by Martin Memorial Health Systems in conjunction with the Physically Challenged Golf Association at the Golden Bear Golf Club at Hammock Creek. The morning session provided instruction to Physical Therapists and Teaching Professionals on how to work with physically challenged golfers. The hands-on work at the driving range was quite interesting. All attendees were required to hit balls with their eyes closed and without the use of one arm or leg, or both an arm and leg.

Mike Pincer of Palm City working on his swing with Linda Simbritz.

The afternoon session featured training with several physically challenged golfers. It was extremely rewarding to view the work being accomplished. Golf is a game that draws its players deeply under its spell. Whether the attendee had been an avid golfer before or not, golf provides the kind of challenge and opportunity that enables a teaching professional or therapist to make working with their client a fun yet productive session. I continue to be amazed and enriched by the benefits that golf training can provide to physically challenged golfers no matter what their particular challenge might be.

For more information about future clinics, call Linda Simbritz, PT at 561-223-5936.