Irish Blind Golf prepare for the British Open

Belton Woods Spa & Golf is the venue for 2023 ISPS Handa British Blind Open. It takes place from Sunday 9th of July until Thursday 13th of July with the two days of competition on Tuesday and Wednesday. There is a field of 36 visually impaired golfers competing at the British Blind Open ranging from three eye sight categories B1, B2 and B3. Five members will be representing Irish Blind Golf which are Captain Paddy Morgan, Secretary Oliver O’ Connor, Treasure Adrian Downey, Paddy Power and Willem Roode. The British Open is hosted in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on a three-year cycle with this year’s event been held in Lincolnshire. It’s the first time for England & Wales Blind Golf to host a British Blind Open since 2019 and all members of Irish Blind Golf are looking forward to the event.

Belton Woods Lakes Course is the course that the British Blind Open will be played on. Belton Woods Lakes Course hosted the 2018 PGA Fourball Championship. The last two holes on the Lakes Course could determine the outcome of the tournament with the 17th a 219 yard par three protected by water and the 18th is a 486 yard par five which is also surrounded by water especially when hitting your approach shot to the green. The length of the Lakes Course from the yellow tees is 6,534 yards and a par 72.

Paddy Power is participating with his guide Adrian Morrissey. Paddy Power is a hot favourite for the British Blind Open stableford competition after winning with a tally of 68 points at the recent ISPS Handa Spanish Open. The Wexford man has continued his good form as he won the B 1, B2, B3 category at Elmgreen Golf Club with a score of 38 points. This is Paddy Power’s second British Blind Open after playing in 2021 at Galgorm Castle. Paddy Power will be in the mix for the stableford prize at the 2023 British Blind Open.

Willem Roode will be playing with his guide Eamonn McGee. Willem Roode played brillantly at the 2022 British Blind Open at Spey Valley in Scotland as he finished second in the overall nett. Fuerteventura was the venue for the ISPS Handa Spanish Open and a good result for Wally with finishing 10th in the overall nett. Wally has returned to form as he shot 36 points in Irish Blind Golf’s recent outing at Elmgreen Golf Club. Wally will be looking for a second successful British Blind Open in a row.

Oliver O’ Connor will be participating with his guide William Clark. Oliver O’ Connor is playing his first British Blind Open this year. Oliver had a great score recently as he shot 36 stableford points at Wooden Bridge Golf Club. Oliver was a part of the winning team at the Irish Blind Golf Classic at Beech Park Golf Club with an incredible score of 56.2. Oliver will be in the mix for both the B3 and overall nett.

Paddy Morgan will be playing with the assistance of his guide Pat Morgan. Captain Paddy Morgan finished 8th in the overall nett at the recent ISPS Handa Spanish Open. Putting has been Paddy’s problem recently with having multiple three putts but found positives as he shot 36 points at his home club Elmgreen Golf Club. It looks a tough course and my goal is to finish in the top 10 as it’s an achievement just to be participating in the event. Spey Valley was also a good tournament for Paddy as he finished fourth in 2022 British Blind Open.

Adrian Downey will be taking part with his guide Pat Cockburn. Treasure Adrian Downey recently won division four with 37 points at Grange Castle Golf Club. Adrian will be playing in the stableford competition at the British Blind Open. Adrian is a potential dark horse in the stableford competition.

Wishing Irish Blind Golf Chairmain Ed Maguire a speedy recovery as he was forced to withdraw from the British Blind Open due to injury.

Good luck to all golfers and guides representing Irish Blind Golf at the 2023 British Blind Open.