UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I am curious to know how other golfers are affected by KC. My problems are as follows:

I cannot read a green to save my life. Unless I know a green I have to try and guess the borrow and am nearly always wrong (how can I be so unlucky!).

I lose sight of the ball within about 60 yards and sometimes less.

I often cannot see the flag even when within around 100 yards. When closer and I can see it I cannot determine whether it is at the front, centre or back of the green.

When on a new course, on longer holes, it is not unusual for me to hit my second shot in the wrong direction, mistakenly thinking I am aiming for the green (at least that's my excuse ). Of course I do get lots of help from my playing partners but there is only so much they can do.

If there are any golfers still playing amongst us, please let me know what problems you have and how you overcome them, if indeed you do.

Hmmm, I never have a problem seeing the flag. In fact, with my left eye and no lens I see about 76-of them!! Any of the matching 76-balls go into any of the holes, that's good!! Almost can't miss!!

Seriously, golf or nearly any sport is compormised by KC.

Piper

Having never played the game and being fairly ignorant of it I will make a suggestion regardless

Is it possible to have a course map?

I know it will not help with seeing the ball, but at least would help with getting more of an idea in which direction to hit the ball.

My Dad has reasonable eye sight for someone in their mid-60's but he still has binoculars to help track the ball.

As they say every little helps

You are of course quite right Piper and playing tennis is now a no no.

Gareth, your point about getting a course planner certainly does help on a strange course. However, I have found them very difficult to read without reading glasses.

Some courses do actually show a layout of the hole at the tee which is very useful.

I played today and lost 2 balls quite simply because I didn't have a clue where the ball went and my playing partners weren't watching.

At least I am still able to play, for which I am grateful.

Michael,

Can you not use thenice bright flourescent balls?

Lesley.

Lesley Foster wrote:Michael,

Can you not use thenice bright flourescent balls?

Lesley.

Hi Lesley
Golf balls are generally white. Whilst one can get yellow and orange ones, they are not very popular and not that many outlets seem to sell them. These can be just as hard to find unfortunately.

Fluorescent balls are normally cheap and very
poor quality. In any case, I guess they would be of more use in the dark.

Michael,

Regarding your partenrs not watching, ask if tey have KC?

Perhaps they could not see the ball either and are ashamed to admit it so rather say they were not looking.

You could always substitute your playing partners balls for the ones that disapper into dust or one of the radio controlled ones

I am sure I can find a place that sells them for you

Thanks Gareth, a gps system would be great.

I'll leave it to you then

Will you buy me that Bristol in return

Sorry Gareth, No. Would that Merc do instead