...but the picture I get in my mind of the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Gold Classic is just hilarious. As taken from their recent press release...
"Guiding Eyes for the Blind is pleased to welcome New York Giant quarterback Eli Manning as the new host of the 30th Annual Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic...Participants play 18 holes of golf with an opportunity to play a few holes with blind golfers and will also have the opportunity to meet Eli Manning. On Sunday, June 24, sixteen of the top blind golfers from the United States Blind Golf Association in the U.S. and Canada compete against one another at Mount Kisco Country Club for the coveted Corcoran Cup. "
I can't help but picture players walking all over the place, driving their golf carts across the greens and into trees, golf balls flying everywhere, putting on the tee box and driving from the greens...stuff like that. I know that wouldn't actually happen (very much) but that's the initial scene that pops in my head. I know, I know, I'm going to hell.
On a more serious note, I'm all about assisted living and facilitative accomodations for disabled folks to play sports (or at least modified versions of sports). My dad's been in a wheelchair for years so it's kinda hard not to be for that kind of stuff. But blind golf? Is this reeeeely a good idea?
I have to think Eli Manning is wondering the same thing about trying to play professional football...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Blind golf is a legitimate sport with a long and distinguished history. In 1924, Clint Russell became the first official U.S. blind golfer. Today there are growing numbers of blind golfers and blind golf associations representing over eight countries.
The U.S. Blind Golfers Association is the equivalent of the PGA; Guiding Eyes for the Blind has been the official sponsor of the Corcoran Cup, one of the two major USBGA tournaments, since its inception 30 years ago. Tournament rules conform to those for the PGA, with one modification: blind golfers are permitted to ground their clubs in hazards. The golfers are assisted by coaches, as opposed to caddies, who confer on club selection, alignment, setup, and distances.
Ken Venturi was inspired to be the original host of the Corcoran Cup by his friendship with Charlie Boswell, a blind golfer from Alabama. Ken has now bestowed the hosting duties to Eli Manning, who is a friend of one of the perennial Corcoran Cup champions.
On Sunday, June 22, 2008, sixteen of the top United States Blind Golfers Association members will compete for the coveted Corcoran Cup. Watching these golfers compete is a humbling and inspiring experience. Anyone who plays golf understands that even with the assistance of a coach, hitting the ball without the benefit of sight is something of a miracle.
FYI: the coach drives the golf cart.
We are currently seeking Corcoran Cup sponsors; call Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Central ay 914-243-4340 for information. Guiding Eyes is a world renowned nonprofit guide dog school located in Yorktown Heights and Patterson, New York. www.guidingeyes.org
Also - Log on to the following blog by Otis Livingston, Sports Anchor for NBC after he taped a segment for TV with blind golfer Pat Browne, Jr, who by the way, won the 2007 Corcoran Cup at the Guiding Eyes Golf Classic.
http://html.wnbc.com/sh/blogger/2007/06/guiding-eyes-on-golf-course.html
Here is also an AP story and Video on the 2007 Guiding Eyes Golf Classic. The video will give you a taste of what blind golf looks like.
http://asap.ap.org/stories/1548844.s
Post a Comment