New tech helps blind golfers swing into action

Andy Gilford won a world blind golf championship title in 2023 [Jamie Niblock/BBC] Blind and partially-sighted people have been practising their swing using new ball-tracking technology at a special golf clinic in Essex. The public could test out the Toptracer software at the launch event at Garon Park Golf Complex in Southend-on-Sea on Tuesday. The technology follows each shot and communicates the distance, direction and accuracy for players.

Andy Gilford, a former world blind golf championship winner, said the technology had been a "game changer" in his own training. "This technology is bringing sight back to players," he said. "It's giving people their independence back so they can enjoy the game they love once again.

Nobody has to give up golf. " Karl Hepple hopes the technology can serve as a pathway for blind golfers [Jamie Niblock/BBC] For blind and visually impaired players, the technology gives instant feedback, supported by verbal guidance from coaches and volunteers. The software is on offer at Garon Park as part of a new initiative led by England & Wales Blind Golf, charity Southend in Sight and The Norman Garon Trust.

Anyone can pay the ball hire fee and try the Toptracer tech themselves at the centre. Karl Hepple, chief executive of The Norman Garon Trust, explained that there were "numerous" cameras along the top of the driving range, tracking the balls. Organisers hope the technology can create a pathway for golfers, taking them from the driving range, out on to the course.