England & Wales Take on Scotland in Blind Golf Match

Golf is a difficult enough game for able-bodied people, so you have to take your hat off to those who love our sport despite being blind.

Just try closing your eyes and hitting a shot - any shot - to experience how difficult it is.

There is a very special event taking place at Hill Valley in Shropshire this week when England & Wales Blind Golf take on Scotland Blind Golf in the Auld Enemies Cup - and what a three days it promises to be.

Thankfully, much is now being done to raise the profile of golf played by both physically disabled individuals and those suffering from sight loss. And they are a true inspiration, putting the rest of us to shame.

Golf has long been identified as a sport that can help with our mental well-being and both England & Wales Blind Golf (EWBG) and Blind Golf Scotland (BGS) are to be applauded for the incredible work they do in opening the door for would-be golfers of all ages.

Incredibly, one of the competitors at Hill Valley this week is 87 years young. Recent British Blind Masters Champion Danny Daniels (aged 87) will be trying to keep his unbeaten record going in the matches.

Andy Gilford is the current Captain of EWBG and saw an article on the BBC in 1998 that changed his life forever. It is a sobering thought that every day in the UK 250 people start to lose their sight and the numbers registered blind each day are staggering.

Gilford said: "The Auld Enemies Cup is played every year between England & Wales Blind Golf vs Blind Golf Scotland. This year's event is to be hosted by England & Wales Blind Golf at the challenging MacDonald Hill Valley Golf Resort in Shropshire, The Emerald championship course.

"Both teams are made up of players and guides of all ages from communities across both countries. This year Blind Golf Scotland, captained by Stewart Paton will be attempting to defend the cup they won at Macdonald Cardrona last year. 

"For the first time both teams will have women in both teams and also all categories represented, with Steve Cunnigham (EWBG) & Kris Adams (BGS) and their guides both making the teams. Danny Daniels at the age of 87 will be trying to keep his unbeaten record going into the matches.

"Currently Scotland have a narrow lead in the cup which over the years has been played at Royal Lytham Golf Club and many more prestigious venues through its history. The cup is played as a Ryder Cup format, first day foursomes, day two four ball better ball and day three singles.”

This is an event that could not happen without the services of guides and an army of volunteers who give up their time for the love of the game. The event runs from September 24-26 and promises to be a hugely uplifting and emotional three days.

For further information, go to www.ewblindgolf.co.uk and www.blindgolfscotland.com.