ABGA Member, George Jones, spoke to the low vision support group at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, FL
I had my regular eye exam with the Veterans Administration in West Palm Beach, Florida on January 5. After my eye exam I had a meeting with Paul Mimms, Blind and Vision Impaired Coordinator. During our discussion, blind golf was mentioned and he asked me if I would speak to his support group of blind and vision impaired veterans. On February 15, Elaine and I attended this support meeting and spoke about blind golf. Giving a brief history of USBGA and the American Blind Golf Association. Those present were extremely interested in Blind Golf as most of them had never heard of the organization. I spoke at great length about coaches, duties, and the love of the sport. I made special note of the support that is given to us by Lions International and the local Lions chapters in all the cities we have attended with our golf tournaments. I emphasized it would be very difficult for us to hold these tournaments without their support and hard work.
I was sought out after the meeting by 2 golfers and their first question was “where do I find a coach?” This, I guess, is a question that most blind golfers have had to endure more than once in their golfing career.
The speech was very well accepted. I
told them all it is very easy to become a coach potato but to keep us veterans
going it is extremely important to be active.