Fundraiser helps people with visual impairments golf
The Golf Fore Sight fundraiser added a new element — a unique opportunity for people with visual impairments to experience the joy of golf.
Instructors and vision guides were lining up golfers at The Lake Club and helping them improve their swing. PGA Pro Chris Bellino worked with Harper Gustafson and Amelia Graham.
It didn't take long for two 8-year-olds to start hitting the ball a long way and admiring their accomplishments.
'That was super satisfying. I heard the ball hit the leaves in the tree,' said Amelia Graham.
'It was really good, because I hit it to like where the mowed grass is,' said Harper Gustafson.
Bellino's role turned out to be just lining the girls up and then becoming a cheerleader.
'Watching them smile and cheer and laugh and giggle, that's what it's about. And that's the reason I got into this business to see faces and smiles just like that,' said Bellino.
All of the golfers who participated were smiling during the first golf clinic provided by Sight for All United. As frustrating as golf can be, or how limited their sight was, they could feel a good hit, hear others cheer, and then celebrate.
'The whole purpose of what we do at Sight For All United is to give people the opportunity to live life to their fullest, to whatever their sight might give them,' said Dr. Sergul Erzurum.
The golfers tried something new and pushed their abilities. Amelia and Harper were glad they got to play golf.
'Yes, I will continue it. And it was very fun,' Amelia said.
'Maybe, I don't know… Okay, there's some other things. I might try it again,' said Harper.
While these golfers may have to visualize what some or all of their shots looked like, Bellino got to see them all. He left the range, impressed and may have been the most satisfied.
'These guys and girls are amazing, and to have the disability that they have and to be able to come out here and do what they did is truly a blessing for them. It's amazing what they can do with what they have,' Bellino said.
There were close to 20 golfers who participated in the free clinic. It lasted for an hour.
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