SUEZ get blind veterans back on the golf course

Six blind veterans took to the fairways for our annual golf day with SUEZ, supported around the course by employees from the recycling and waste management company.

Held at Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Droitwich, Worcestershire, the event gave blind veterans the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf while SUEZ employees took on the role of guides.

For one of the blind veterans taking part, the day marked a long-awaited return to the game.

Learning to guide

For many of the SUEZ employees, it was their first experience of guiding someone with sight loss. Kev hoped that playing alongside blind veterans would help them gain a better understanding of how golfers with sight loss approach the game.

“The SUEZ playing partners were very accommodating, and I hope the day gave them a better understanding of how golfers with sight loss approach the game.”

Before teeing off, the teams met over breakfast and headed to the driving range to practise. This gave the blind veterans time to get to know their playing partners, explain how they preferred to be guided and practise playing together.

During the round, guides provided support with navigating between holes, judging the direction and distance of shots, and getting into position at the tee.

Blind veteran Steve played alongside SUEZ employees Grant and Lee. Neither had guided him before, but Steve said they soon found their rhythm as a team.

“I couldn’t fault the guides. They showed enthusiasm and enjoyment, and after the first hole I felt very comfortable with Grant. He seemed to pick things up really quickly.”

Hope, our Corporate Partnerships Manager, saw the SUEZ employees becoming more confident throughout the day.

“All of the SUEZ team were absolutely fantastic at guiding the blind veterans. They took to the role naturally, often anticipating what was needed without being asked.”

A new perspective on the game

Lee, Senior Key Account Manager at SUEZ, was impressed by blind veteran Steve’s ability on the course.

“From the outset, I was hugely impressed by Steve’s attitude and golfing ability. To strike a golf ball so consistently with just 1% vision in one eye is an incredible achievement.”

On the sixth hole, the SUEZ employees wore simulation spectacles for a nearest-the-pin challenge. The spectacles gave them an indication of some of the visual barriers a golfer with sight loss might encounter.

Blind veteran Steve shared:

“I take my hat off to both Lee and Grant for taking on the challenge with simulation specs.

"Afterwards, they both asked, ‘How do you do this?’

“I said, ‘When you have to, you have to. I just want to keep playing.’”

Steve went on to win the challenge, landing his shot closest to the pin.

A winning return

After 18 holes, everyone returned to the clubhouse for dinner and the prize presentation.

Kev’s first round in almost a year ended with a win, as his team took the top spot.

“Being part of the winning team ended the day perfectly. Thank you, team, for your support.”

SUEZ created wooden trophies featuring the logos of both organisations for each member of the winning team.

The golf day is part of SUEZ’s ongoing support for us and involves employees from across the business, including members of its Veterans Network.

Lee said: “I am certain that everyone who took part left with a better understanding of the experience of living with sight loss.”

For Kev, being back on the course meant playing a game he had missed for almost a year. Finding someone who can guide him regularly remains difficult.

“It is 18 months since I first began seeking the services of a guide. They are a rare breed, but I will persevere with my search.”

Could you or your company volunteer to support blind veterans like Kev?