Thinking about hitting a tiny white ball with a long metal stick seems challenging enough when you can see it. Hitting one you can't see might sound impossible, but blind people can and do play golf, often with inspiring levels of skill and dedication. This article will show you exactly how it’s done, from the essential role of the player’s coach to the refined swing mechanics that rely entirely on feel.
To put it simply, yes, individuals who are blind or have low vision can play golf. It is not a novelty or a gimmick, but a globally recognized sport with its own dedicated associations, tournaments, and a community of passionate players. Organizations like the United States Blind Golf Association (USBGA) and the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) host dozens of events each year, showcasing athletes who have honed their swings to a remarkable degree of consistency and power, all without eyesight.
The game is fundamentally the same - the goal is still to get the ball in the hole in the fewest strokes possible. The difference lies in the method. Blind golf isn't a solitary sport, it’s the ultimate expression of teamwork, relying on trust, communication, and a shared love for the game between the player and their coach.
Every blind golfer plays with a caddie, often referred to as a coach or an assistant. This individual serves as the golfer's eyes, providing all the visual information needed to execute a shot. This partnership is built on deep trust and clear communication, turning golf into a collaborative dance. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a single shot unfolds.
First and foremost, it's about seeing the golf course through another person's words. The player and coach are a team. The coach is not just carrying the bag, they are responsible for course management, alignment, and shot description. The player is responsible for the physical execution - the swing. This shared responsibility makes every success a joint victory.
As the team approaches the ball for their next shot, the coach paints a picture. They don't just give a number, they provide context. A typical description might sound like this:
“Okay, we’re about 150 yards from the center of the green. The fairway is open in front of us, but a bunker guards the front-right of the green. The pin is tucked behind it, on the right side. The wind is light, coming slightly from our left.”
This description gives the player a mental map of the hole, allowing them to visualize the target, potential trouble, and the ideal shot shape. Based on this information, the player and coach decide on a strategy together.
Once they've chosen a club - let's say a 7-iron for this 150-yard shot - the coach's most important physical task begins: alignment. The player takes their stance near the ball, and the coach stands behind them, looking directly down the target line. The coach then gently places their hands on the player’s shoulders or hips to physically orient their body perfectly toward the target. This ensures the player's swing path is directed exactly where they intend to go.
After the player's body is aligned, the coach places the clubhead directly behind the ball, making sure the face is perfectly square to the target line. They might say, “Club is set,” or “You’re ready.” This is the final signal before the player takes over. From this moment on, it’s all up to the player. The coach steps away to a safe position to watch the shot.
With perfect alignment locked in, the player trusts their feel and muscle memory. The pre-shot routine is often meticulously consistent. They know they are aimed correctly, so all they have to think about is making a smooth, balanced swing. They rotate their body away from the ball and then unwind through impact, relying on the rotational action we see in all great golf swings.
After contact, the coach becomes the ball-tracker, describing the flight: "Great strike! It's starting just right of the flag… now it's drawing back… oh, that's beautiful! It landed bounced once, and it's on the green, maybe 15 feet from the hole!"
This same process continues all the way to the hole. For putting, the coach's role is even more detailed. They will help the player understand the distance and the break of the putt.
Blind golf operates under the same R&A andUSGA rules of golf as any other tournament, with just a couple of common-sense modifications to facilitate play. These aren’t designed to make the game easier, but simply to make it possible.
Other than these small exceptions, the game is played by the letter of the law. Golfers still face penalties for out-of-bounds shots, lost balls, and water hazards.
If you ask a sighted golfer what they focus on during their swing, they might talk about visual cues. A blind golfer’s entire swing is built on internal feelings, balance, and rhythm. As a coach, this is a fascinating aspect of the game. It strips the swing down to its purest form: a sequence of motion.
Many blind golfers say that losing their sight has forced them to develop a deeper connection with their body, a concept in sports science known as proprioception - the body’s ability to sense its own position in space.
The core philosophy of a good golf swing aligns perfectly with this. A solid swing is based on rotation, not looking at the ball. Established golfers often play their best when they "stop thinking" and just let muscle memory take over. Blind golfers are forced to do this on every single shot. They can't visually correct a flaw mid-swing or look up too early to see where the ball went. Their focus is 100% on the internal feeling of a pure, balanced rotation around a stable base.
If you or someone you know is visually impaired and interested in trying golf, the community is incredibly welcoming. The best first step is to contact a national association. They can connect you with local players, coaches, and clinics designed for new golfers.
Here are a few places to start:
Blind golf is a powerful reminder that the game is about more than just sight, it’s about rhythm, feel, trust, and the connections we build on the course. The partnership between a player and their coach is one of the most remarkable examples of teamwork in all of sports.
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