Mental Health, Healthy Brain
These days there are a lot of challenges everywhere you look. Extra stress, social distancing, home and work in the same space. So many take the time to do so many other things and forget to set aside some time for you. Making that “golf time” is an excellent way of helping reduce the risk of health problems, and stimulating the brain at the same time. So many wonderful ways to keep positive while enjoying the great game of golf.
Seeing Golf in a New Light, All About Outlook
The senses are critical for sighted golfers. Are they any different for blind or visually impaired golfers? Of course, vision is affected. Does that mean you can’t see the course? Well in one sense yes, but in reality, you do “see” the course. You experience this sight through the other senses, like the feel of the club and impact with the ball. The brush of a fairway iron, or a rescue club with a deeper intention to get you out of the rough. Sounds. They all become feedback points creating an inclusive and beautiful experience.
Enjoyable Workout
What better way to increase your health, with benefits like weight control, improved quality of life, and helping reduce the risk of other health problems while playing a game you enjoy. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to get the benefits either, golfers of every age and with infinite body types play the game and play the game well. There is no reason why you can’t do the same, so send off the email and join OBG today.
Fresh Air Tastes Better if You’re Blind
Ok, some of these have to have some smiles built into them. I once remember even being asked if you can taste the air because of, you know, enhanced senses for the blind. I had to laugh. Does it taste better? I am not too sure. I know experiencing the outdoors as a blind person is different. It is a sense of wonder, and joy to know you are outside, getting some sun and vitamin D. Never taking for granted the benefits of getting some outdoor time.
New Friendships
We are social people. We like to be around other good people. In many cases the friendships and relationships you cultivate are because of your environment. Where you work perhaps, or what some of your interests are. If you are a golf person you can relate to other golfers. When it comes to OBG you will begin to form friendships with other blind golfers and their supporting coaches, family and friends.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Here is something to consider. No round of golf is ever the same. It’s math. Golf guarantees that between the company you play with and the conditions, along with your own game that round, you will be blessed with some new experiences. If you can appreciate that, you are more than halfway there when it comes to being able to enjoy every stroke, every round.
Smiles are Contagious on a Golf Course
It starts when you get there. The car door opens and you step out. Listen to that. Wonderful silence broken only by the songs of Mother Nature…and smiles. Your own first. Then your Coach. Soon you will be amongst other blind and visually impaired golfers and you will know, somehow, that everyone is smiling. How does that happen? Using the finely tuned abilities of a person who knows you can sense a smile. The atmosphere changes, sun shines, and you are about to play 18 holes of golf. Does it get much better that?
$19,700,000,000
Golf Canada estimated the economic impact of golf for 2020 in Canada was about $19.7B. To put that into perspective just think about how large a billion dollars is. $19.7B works out to be about $53,972,602.73 a day, or about $2,248,858.44 per hour. Every day, all year. How does this relate to blind golf? It proves that golf is a growing sport and we want to ensure that blind and visually impaired persons get a chance to participate in it. Playing golf is popular, it’s cool and it’s inclusive and accessible. Awesome.
Playing by Your Own Rules
Golf does not have to be played by “the book” every single time. In addition to the many format options, like stroke play, or best ball, or a scramble you can play your round just the way you like it. Hit it where you can’t find it? This is a fun round, drop wherever, even in the middle of the fairway if it means you will enjoy the game more. Want to change up the next par 4 even more? Change your tee box choice. Just remember you are playing with others so always remain courteous and keep pace. Unless they’re playing in an event, many blind golfers make the game their own with small changes that keep the round fun and full of great experiences.
That One Great Shot
Putting time into golf, the practice, the effort is no different than other sports. What is different is how much more important that one shot, the excellent drive, the magical iron shot, sinking that 60-yard pitch for a birdie becomes for a blind person. When you experience that shot just once you are now a golfer for life. It will keep you coming back for more. Soon enough you will be making more and more of those shots, improving your game and your outlook on life at the same time.
Blind People Changing History
Golf was invented in 1447 give or take a few years. The rules of golf were drawn up and the sport grew. Over centuries the game has not only persevered but also grown, prospered. There is a long and storied history of golf. Today this “ancient” practice is being changed with each round played by a blind or visually impaired golfer. Advocating with action. Educating and elevating. Using philanthropy, good will and collaboration does change history. Blind and visually impaired golfers change history and stereotypes with each stroke. Come out to an OBG event today and change history!
Guide Dogs Love Golf
Imagine being able to take your awesome dog anywhere you go. No questions asked. Now make that an afternoon on the course with a trusted companion and you are a winner no matter what the score is. People love guide dogs as they should. Pictures, laughter and helping people realize that the small things in life add up to big wins when you have the right attitude. It is a little-known fact that some of the best life coaches are guide dogs.
Another Great Shot
So, you connected and it felt great. Only real catch is you have no idea where the ball went. This is where great coaching makes a difference. A good coach is going to be able to keep you on track and that includes keeping your spirits up. Blind and visually impaired golfers have no idea if the shot was great or just another ball rolling down the fairway. They can “feel” the swing and the contact, but being pure and making it count are not guarantees. What is guaranteed is you having a great time. Look at that. Another great shot!