1. Use a Guide
To play blind golf with a guide, contact your local golf association and association for the blind. Many people would volunteer to be your caddy. Schedule a meeting with your caddy before your round of golf. Go to the driving range and discuss your swing, your level of skill and what you want to the caddy to do. The caddy is responsible for the initial set up. They must make sure that the golfer is addressing the ball correctly and is positioned for the best possible result. The caddy is also responsible for giving the golfer the distance to the pin and describing any obstacles or layout changes on the hole. A practice session with the caddy improves communication and understanding of expectations from each person.
2. Assistive Devices
To assist blind golfers, there are golf balls, clubs and assistive devices that emit noises to help the golfer locate the hole, the ball and the club. The ball is specially designed to emit a beep sound to help the golfer orient properly. For putting, the golfing partner is responsible for placing the device at the hole. The golfer then aims at the sound from the device. These devices are not allowed in tournament play.
3. Team Golf
Blind golfers also participate in team golf. Two to 4 golfers play together in a best ball format. All the golfers hit the ball, but the next shot uses the best ball location. As such, the team members can give advice direction and guidance to each other. This type of golf is great fun and develops a comradely that you wouldn't normally find in golf.
4. Compete in a Tournament
The United States Blind Golf Association holds a series of tournaments each year. Blind golfers complete in open and closed tournaments. International blind golf associations also host tournaments, with players and coaches traveling extensively to participate in these events. Blind golf tournaments are played under the rules from the USGA. The only exception is that a club may be grounded in a hazard. To prepare for a tournament, complete practice rounds with the assistance of a coach. Go to the driving range and work on your swing. The coach tells you how far the ball went and the direction. Quality golf is a matter of skill, practice and execution. Practice the basic skills and success comes!
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