Rules · Lesson
How the Rules Help Blind Golfers
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Rule 25 changes some rules so golfers with certain disabilities can play fairly. Part of it covers players who are blind. A blind golfer may use a single aide at any moment. The aide can help with aiming and give advice, just like a caddie. Having an aide and a caddie together is allowed. A club or other object may be laid down to help with aim or stance, as long as it's picked up before the swing. The aide can stand behind the ball on the line. In a bunker, the player can touch the sand with the club in some ways.
Step by step
- Rule 25 covers several disabilities.
- A single aide at once.
- The aide can help aim and advise.
- Pick up aiming aids before swinging.
- Some sand contact is allowed in bunkers.
Why it works
Rule 25 adjusts a few standard rules so a blind golfer can compete on fair terms. Aiming and reading the course depend on sight, so an aide stands in for that sense. The limits, such as one aide at a time and removing aiming aids before the swing, keep the help to aiming and advice, not to hitting the shot.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the blind golfer can have two aides on the course at the same moment.Allow only one aide at any moment, and remember a caddie is a separate allowance.
- Leaving a club or object on the ground when the swing starts.Pick up any aiming or stance aid before the swing begins.
- Assuming Rule 25 only applies to blind golfers.Remember that Rule 25 covers several disabilities, and blind golfers are one part of it.
How you'll know it's working
- You can state that a blind golfer may use one aide at a time, and that a caddie may also be used.
- You can explain that an aide may help with aim and give advice, and may stand behind the ball on the line.
- You know that any club or object laid down for aim or stance must be removed before the swing.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Start by learning only the one-aide rule and the rule about picking up aiming aids before the swing.
Harder: Work through a full hole in your head, deciding who may do what at the tee, on the fairway and in a bunker, including the sand contact allowances.
Common questions
Can a blind golfer have a caddie and an aide?
Yes. Having both is allowed. The blind golfer may use only one aide at any moment.
Can a blind golfer lay a club down to help with aim?
Yes. A club or other object may be laid down to help with aim or stance. It must be picked up before the swing.
