There was a par-ty atmosphere at the Shetland Golf Club last week as the Dale course held its first official tournament for the blind. After two days of competition, The Shetland Times was welcomed to take in the leisurely Texas scramble and speak to some of the competitors.
The event was held for the first time in the isles, because Shetland’s only registered blind golfer frequently travelled south to take part in tournaments alongside others with visual impairments. Blind Golf Scotland felt it was only right to repay the commitment that Amy Miller had put into the sport. Miller said it was a “brilliant” experience, but a lot of hard work had been done to prepare for the occasion. “We were very worried about it all and how it was all going to come about, but no, it’s come off really well,” she said.
She is no stranger to golf, having played the game for years. But she has also represented Scotland at national level during blind golf tournaments across the country. Although the name might suggest the participants have no sight, it is for those registered blind – some of whom may be partially sighted. Miller is one of those people, after having the use of only one of her eyes since she was a teenager. With guide Shona Ward by her side, she is able to compete at both club and blind events. For blind golfers, they are allowed to have a partner assist them in lining up the shots and finding their balls, and it is this support, which makes for an inclusive atmosphere, that Amy has found useful. “It’s a family thing really,” Miller said. As part of the wider Blind Golf Scotland umbrella, there is a bit more “nonsense” and “fun” to be had. Blind Golf Scotland Captain Greg Docherty was one of the 18-strong crowd which travelled north to take part in the three-day event. Docherty said it was a “great” experience to be in Isles, and the members of the Shetland Golf Club had “superbly catered” for the visiting players. Speaking to The Shetland Times, Docherty said the purpose of the group’s visit was to promote bind golf as a sport for the visually impaired. Some might think their impairment restricts them from taking part in sport, “But you can get involved in a sport, you can get involved playing golf,” Docherty said. Docherty said he had been a casual golfer before losing 47 per cent of his vision overnight nearly three years ago. This meant he completely lost sight in the bottom left quadrants of both eyes. It was “very hard” to accept at the beginning, he said, but finding a community like Blind Golf Scotland was a real help. Because of “silly things” like walking past someone he knew in the street, he became less outgoing. Docherty would be unaware of cars on the road as he crossed the street until they had almost hit him. Strangely, he feels he has become a better golfer since becoming more active through Blind Golf Scotland. He has calmed down. “I’m not as erratic or wild as I was when my vision was fine,” Docherty said. Since losing part of his vision, he has knocked around 10 points off his handicap. Docherty added: “It was ridiculous for somebody that was fully sighted. I was up to 36 or 37 and I’m down to 27 now. And I’ll probably pull that down.” Shetland Golf Club chairman Ross MacDougall praised Miller and Ward for the “huge effort” they put in to bring the Blind Golf Scotland event to the isles. Ward was instrumental in organising travel, accommodation, daily logistics and food, said MacDougall, it also involved securing funding and sponsorship for the event to go ahead. “Shona has also successfully helped Shetland Golf Club form a partnership with Ability Shetland to ensure golf can be enjoyed throughout the islands by all those who wish to take part,” MacDougall said. “We hope this event can really boost participation in outdoor sporting activities within the disabled section of Shetland’s society and encourage more people to join and enjoy our friendly golf club.” He added that members viewed the organisation as “more than just a golf club”. It was a “community hub” where people can socialise, exercise and create friendships.
By Kevin Craigens, Shetland Times
Blind Golf Scotland (BGS)
ISPS HANDA BRITISH OPEN 2025
Blind Golf Scotland will be hosting the ISPS HANDA British Open from 6th – 10th July 2025
This 36 hole medal event will take place at Macdonald Cardrona Golf Resort, Peebles, Scotland.
We would like to invite international and local players to apply for entry to the limited number of places available in this event
Whilst there is no official category for B4 players, we are encouraging B4 players to enter and they will be able to play for the Medal net prize or enter the Stableford competition. Please note, if the entries are oversubscribed, then the B4 entrants will be balloted for available places
Please email secretary@blindgolfscotland.com for an entry form or download the application form: