Golf saved me, says blind John

SPORTING grandfather John Madsen has won a major golf competition – even though he is registered blind.

Mr Madsen, aged 88, from Tean, stole the show in the British Blind Masters Golf Championships at Patshull Park Golf and Country Club, Pattingham, Shropshire.

Four blind and partially-sighted players competed for the trophy in the four day, 72 hole event.

It is the second time he has won the Masters Plate in the event, which ran alongside the British Blind Masters Golf Championship. It is the only four day event in the world, preparing players for the British Open and World Championships.

He was assisted in the competition by his caddy, Tony Dee, although his wife, Mary, aged 77, usually acts as his guide.

Retired civil servant Mr Madsen, who has always been a keen golfer, lost his sight 12 years ago due to macular degeneration. But he not allowed his condition to close his world down.

He said: "I have played golf for many years and when I lost my sight, golf saved my life.

"It is not a lot of difference to playing when I was sighted. It just involves more strokes and a greater handicap. I am ashamed to say mine is 45, which is double the average. I think if people in a similar position took up golf, their lives would be enriched and give them a purpose. They can do it, the problem is getting a guide.

"We have played at many different places and it makes for enjoyment getting out into the fresh air and meeting so many people. I have played at Wentworth and met Steve Ryder.

"The guide is more important than the player. They tell you your distances and point you in the right direction.

"We have entered this competition before and won in 2001. This was a repeat performance. I shall be 95 when I next win."

Wife Mary said: "John is registered blind and only has peripheral vision. He cannot see the ball.

"I think he is fantastic and I am very proud of him. I don't play golf myself, but for 11 years I have been his guide.

"I have learned to set the ball up and make sure it is in a good position.

" It is quite difficult for the guide as well because it involves a lot of bending down and watching where the ball has gone."

Championship organiser, Mike Loten, from the England Blind Golf Organisation, said: "John is an enthusiastic player and proof that neither age nor disability need stand in the way of enjoyment of golf."