Golf
Blind golf enables people who are blind or vision impaired to participate in golf with the support of a guide or caddie. Internationally, the sport is governed by the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA), founded in 1998. Its member associations in Ireland are Irish Blind Golf and Northern Ireland Blind Golf.
For more information and educational materials on blind golf, please check out our Blind Golf Resource and video for guides and caddies!
Vision Sports Ireland works closely with the Golf Ireland to increase participation opportunities for people who are blind and vision impaired to engage and join their local golf club. In 2023, Vision Sports launched their first VI Golf hub in Portlaoise at the Heath Golf Club where monthly adult sessions are held.
Blind Golf is played to the rules of Golf produced by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and United States Golf Association (USGA). They have published “A Modification of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities”. This allows blind golfers to ground their club in a hazard and their coach/guide to stand on the line of the shot without penalty while the shot is played.
Blind Golf Competitions
Competitions can be played off scratch within each sight category or off handicap across all sight categories. The IBGA has developed a handicapping scheme that is operated by all member associations and is used for international competition. Both Irish Blind Golf and Northern Ireland Blind Golf organise tournaments and regular golf outings. Members from both organisations also compete in international competitions under the auspices of IBGA.
DIGA Golf Ireland events for 2026 available at the link below:
Irish Blind Golf have training, competition and development sessions with PGA Callum Slatter at,
- Sunday 5 July to Thursday 9 July 2026 – ISPS HANDA British Open – Time TBC
- Friday 31 July 2026 – Beechpark Golf Club (Golf Classic) – 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Monday 10 August to Wednesday 12 August 2026 – Sweden – Time TBC
- Sunday 16 August to Thursday 20 August 2026 – British Masters – Time TBC
- Sunday 30 August 2026 – Blackbush (C to A Course) – 12:00 pm
- Friday 18 September 2026 – Courtown Golf Club – 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Sunday 11 October 2026 – Moyvalley – 1:00 pm
- Friday 23 October 2026 – Royal Dublin – 10:40 am
Vision Sports Ireland in collaboration with Golf Ireland are hosting our inclusive golf programme at The Heath Golf Club, Portlaoise.
Sessions will take place once a month on Saturdays from 2:00pm to 3:00pm, giving participants the opportunity to try golf, build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy the social side of the sport in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Upcoming dates:
- 11th July
- 14th August (Friday) – Inclusion Games
- 12th September
- 10th October
Whether you are new to golf or looking to get back involved, this programme is a great opportunity to take part, learn and enjoy golf at your own pace.
Contact
Irish Blind Golf Secretary: Paddy Morgan
irishblindgolf@hotmail.com
www.irishblindgolf.ie
Northern Ireland Blind Golf Secretary: Paul O’Rahilly
https://www.nibga.org/
Vision Sports Ireland, Vision Ireland, Whitworth Road, Dublin 9.
Phone:
01 4056030
Email:
info@visionsports.ie
Golf Ireland: Deborah Madden, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Phone:
+353 (0)876577982
Email:
deborahmadden@golfireland.ie
