ANYONE who plays golf knows it is hard enough to hit the ball when you have eyesight, never mind when you are blind.
This has never stopped local Donna McDougall, who is learning the sport with the help of Marc Bright and his social enterprise All Abilities Golf (AAG).
Donna began her golf experience in February 2014.
“I was very hesitant at first and really struggled to hit the ball,” Donna said.
“But Marc was very patient and encouraging.
“He has taught me the correct way to swing for the different kinds of clubs, and he sets me and the ball up correctly.
“He then taps the putting hole so that I know where to aim, or makes other percussion noises on various parts of the course.
“My hearing is very good and I use that to determine the direction and distance. Now that I’ve progressed quite a bit, I enjoy coming to golf.”
Cooroy Golf Club is the home base for AAG. The club regularly hosts Marc and his small group of enthusiastic learners – people of varying ages and with various disabilities.
Personnel from the Cooroy Golf Club have generously donated golf clubs and bags. Donna has been the lucky recipient of a complete set of ladies clubs and a bag.
The group also visits other clubs such as Gunnabul in Gympie where they also get good support.
“There are two aspects of the game I really enjoy and the social interaction is probably the best part,” Donna said.
“There’s not much in the way of activities for people with disabilities.
“I have outings with a support worker a couple of times a week, but that is just with one person who is doing a job.
“This is different as there is a small group of people I am getting to know and we do it through a social situation.
“It is great to have this activity to look forward to during the week. I’m out in the sunshine and fresh air and getting good exercise.
Donna said that she also enjoyed learning new skills and the sense of achievement it brought.
“I am now beginning to be aware of when I’m swinging the club correctly and when I’m not,” Donna said.
“It is a wonderful sense of achievement when I hear the ball drop into the hole on the putting green, or when Marc cheers because I’ve successfully pitched the ball onto the green or hit it nicely down the fairway.”
ANYONE FOR NIGHT GOLF?
The idea of playing golf at night (without lights) seems a bit strange, especially since it is often hard enough to see or find your golf ball in broad daylight.
However, you can experience this new twist on having fun with golf at Cooroy Golf Club on Friday 27 March, at 6pm.
The night is a fundraising event for All Abilities Golf, a local non-profit group that encourages people with disabilities and young people to get out and active on a golf course.
Players will receive two solar powered LED golf balls and will play in teams of four and the evening is an ideal family outing, giving players the opportunity to take part in the pitching and putting solar championships held on the night.
A professional light show and barbecue are also part of the evening’s entertainment.
Non-players and supporters are welcome to come along and join the barbecue and enjoy the solar show.
It is a great opportunity to try your hand at golf, or add a new dimension to golf if you already play. Hire clubs will be available.
Only 60 players can take part, so phone Marc Bright to make a booking on 0402 447 317.
