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.