REVIEW: The South African Blind Golf Association - ISPS Handa Vision Cup

[Wednesday, July 17, 2019 14:04:48]

Portmarnock Links, outside Dublin, Ireland hosted the 4th edition of the ISPS HANDA

Vision Cup from 17-20 June 2019. The Vision Cup is the IBGA’s version of the famous

Ryder Cup featuring two 12-person teams representing North America (NA) and the

Rest of the World (RoW). The first two days consist of 6 matches each played using the

Pinehurst modified foursomes system, with the final day comprising 12 singles

matches. The RoW won the 2013 & 2015 editions of the Vision Cup (held in the USA

& Italy respectively), with the 2017 edition (held in Canada) being tied. This year’s

teams were perhaps the strongest to date, with the NA team seeking its first win.

The event generated a lot of publicity in Ireland, with local television and newspapers

keeping abreast of what was happening. Irish ministers and Ambassadors of several

countries were present at the opening/closing ceremonies. We were also fortunate to

have the R&A represented, with R&A captain Chris Hilton acting as starter for the final

day’s singles matches.

Chris Hilton (R&A) with the Vision Cup team captains, Garrett Slattery & Linda Port

Linked to the event was a National Children’s Art & Essay competition, and the team

members also participated in an Inclusion Sports event at the local driving range, aimed

at visually impaired / disabled children. These activities were a great success.

The Course

The Portmarnock Links, a Bernard Langer designed golf links, is situated on the eastern

coast of Ireland just north of Dublin. This typical links style course is undulating, with

punishing rough, many very deep bunkers and several large rolling greens.

The players were very fortunate with the weather. The week prior to the event Dublin

suffered lots of rain and wind, with cold temperatures. For the Vision Cup week there

was virtually no rain, and the wind was moderate. This certainly helped to make the

course more playable.

The Teams

The hosting RoW team, captained by SABGA member Garrett Slattery assisted by vicecaptains

John Eakin and Paul O’Rahilly (admin) comprised:

Zohar Sharon (B1), Israel Paul McCormack (B2), Ireland

Andrea Calcaterra(B1), Italy Andy Gilford (B2), England

Chiara Pozzi (B1), Italy John Eakin (B3), England

Billy McAllister (B1), England Barry McCluskey (B3), Scotland

Garrett Slattery (B2), South Africa Jason Heathfield (B3), Wales

Steve Beevers (B2), England Ally Reid (B3), Scotland

The NA team, captained by Linda Port assisted by vice-captain Darren Douma, comprised:

Chad NeSmith (B1), USA Darcy Furber (B2), Canada

Gerry Nelson (B1), Canada Ty Thompson (B2), USA

Mario Tobia (B1), USA Tom Marks (B3), USA

Joe Furber (B1), Canada Linda Port (B3), USA

Derek Kibblewhite (B2), Canada Darren Douma (B3), Canada

Jeremy Poincenot (B2), USA Kiefer Jones (B3), Canada

Both teams were probably the strongest fielded by each side, so tight competition was

anticipated.

Each of the above players was assisted by their own sighted guide. Golf for the visually

impaired would not be possible were it not for these dedicated people who are involved

every step of the way.

Garrett was particularly grateful that Stellenbosch Golf Club’s teaching professional,

Erich Kliem, was able to guide for him for the fifth time outside of South Africa. The

pair, who know each other well from the Stellenbosch Golf Club, once again gelled

very well together.

The Results

The first day saw the Row team move into a 4 points to 2 lead. Garrett, partnered by

Andrea Calcaterra, won their game against the Furber brothers of Canada 3&2. The

other winners in the RoW team were Reid & Gilford, Heathfield & Beevers and

Portmarnock member McCormack with McAllister.

The second day saw the RoW team extend their lead by a further point, winning the day

by 3½ - 2½. Garrett & Andrea stayed together for a fantastic 7&6 win over Canadians

Darcy Furber & Gerry Nelson. Other RoW winners were Eakin & Pozzi and Reid &

Gilford, with McCormack & McAllister tying their match.

As the final day commenced the RoW team needed at least 5 of the available 12 points

in the singles matches for victory. Garrett’s match against the reigning US Open (B2)

champion, Ty Thompson, put the first point on the board for RoW with a 5&4 victory.

Solid wins for Heathfiled and Reid moved RoW closer to the total needed. A great

fightback in the top match (between the two single figure handicap golfers) saw Eakin

defeat Jones, and shortly thereafter a win for rookie McCluskey pushed RoW over the

line. Further wins for the RoW B1 players McAllister, Pozzi and Calcaterra produced a

final result of 15½ - 8½ for RoW. This was the largest winning margin in the event’s

history.

Garrett & Erich with the ISPS Handa Vision Cup

Garrett was one of three players who won all three of their matches (Andrea & Ally

being the others). Garrett’s overall record now stands at 9 points from a possible 12,

which is the most points earned by any player over the four editions of the Vision Cup.

Everyone involved agreed that this was an excellent event, and all are looking forward

to the next edition in the USA in two years’ time.

Further Thanks

Thanks go to the event’s organizing committee, led by Paul McCormack and Paul

O’Rahilly. No effort was too much for this dedicated pair.

Thanks also go to the IBGA which, through generous funding from Dr. Handa, was able

to provide valuable financial support for the event. As is regularly the case at the large

IBGA events it was great to have John White present all the way from Perth, Australia,

as Dr. Handa’s representative. John’s enthusiasm and encouragement to the players was

much appreciated.

Garrett and Erich would also like to thank the Stellenbosch Golf Club and its members,

who provided valuable support and encouragement to the pair.

Last, but by no means least, thanks also go to TaylorMade for their ongoing support of

SABGA and our activities.

 


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