‘I’m registered blind, but I can’t play blind golf’
Exploring the experiences of golfers with a visual field impairment
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19560330 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Thomas Edward David Hall (0000-0001-8268-1548, Anglia Ruskin University, corresponding author), N J Hynes (University of Huddersfield), A G Willmott (Anglia Ruskin University), P M Allen (Anglia Ruskin University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-14 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-15 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1939-8441 • E-ISSN: 1939-845X |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/2159676x.2025.2611398 |
| OpenAlex | W7124462787 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 34 |
Golfers with vision impairment have access to numerous competitive participation opportunities, but their eligibility is dependent on successful classification. Currently, a person’s visual field (VF) is not considered during the classification process in vision impaired (VI) golf, with golfers classified on their visual acuity alone. There is a growing body of qualitative research focused on athletes’ classification experiences, but to date there is a lack of research on golfers with a VF impairment (GVFI). Ten GVFI were recruited for an online semi-structured interview through a video conferencing platform. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, underpinned by a relativist-constructionist philosophical position. Five themes were generated: 1) perception of impairment, 2) playing golf through a limited field of vision, 3) the golfer–guide relationship, 4) classification experiences, and 5) benefits of playing golf. Results demonstrate that GVFI may utilise medicalised language to legitimise their relatively non-visible impairment(s). Furthermore, a social relational understanding of disability is used to show that whilst impairment-effects on performance are evident in GVFI, the classification system and social structures within it ultimately disable and marginalise GVFI. Results suggest that guides are often selected out of convenience instead of performance factors, and socialising with other VI golfers empowers GVFI. This study advances understanding of the qualitative experiences of GVFI and informs future work into the development of an evidence-based classification system specific to VI golf
Perception · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Reflexivity · Thematic analysis · Visual impairment · Disability Rights and Representation · Ophthalmology and Visual Impairment Studies · Tactile and Sensory Interactions
Qualitative Research Methods in Sport, Exercise and Health
Qualitative methods in sport
Thematic analysis
Toward good practice in thematic analysis
From the boardroom to the clubhouse
Exploring athletes’ and classifiers’ experiences with and understanding of classification in Para sport
Building bridges
‘The agenda is to have fun’
Interrogating disability
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
A rose by any other name
One size fits all? What counts as quality practice in (reflexive) thematic analysis
We know who is a cheat and who is not. But what can you do?”
Being the body in question
Restrictions of activity in partially sighted football
We are playing for England, we wear the same shirt; just because I have a disability, it doesn’t make me any different
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |