Revised 01/26/2025
Coach Assistance and Responsibilities
The Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) encourages blind and low-vision golfers to find their own coaches. However, the MABGA Coaches Committee is available to assist in connecting golfers with coaches for specific outings or even on a more permanent basis when possible.
To get assistance, email the Coaches Coordinator at coaches-corner@mabga.org, or call 610-804-9099.
Registering as a Coach
If you are currently a coach or are new to coaching, please complete the appropriate form:
This helps MABGA maintain accurate records and ensures we can match golfers with the right coaches.
Definition of a Coach and Their Responsibilities
A coach is an individual who plays an essential role in supporting blind or low vision golfers throughout a round of golf. Their primary responsibility is to assist the golfer by providing guidance and assistance with both physical and strategic aspects of the game. This includes helping with transportation to and from the course, positioning the golfer for each shot, and ensuring they are aware of the course’s features, obstacles, and layout. Coaches also play a key role in boosting the golfer’s confidence, providing verbal feedback on their shots, and creating an environment where the golfer can enjoy and succeed in the game.
Although the coach’s role can be more involved during competitive rounds, most golf played at MABGA events is considered casual, meaning the coach’s level of involvement may vary based on the golfer’s needs, skill level, and preference. Coaches are not only guides but also companions on the course, offering both technical support and emotional encouragement.
General Responsibilities of a Coach:
The level of assistance a coach provides will vary based on the golfer’s sight level. Some low vision golfers may be self-sufficient in walking from the cart to the ball and back, while others may need more assistance. Regardless of the golfer’s sight level, the coach should always remain nearby, as even sighted low vision golfers may miss unexpected changes in terrain or unforeseen obstacles.
For blind golfers, coaches may need to provide more extensive assistance, including helping them walk to and from the golf cart and around the clubhouse. The level of assistance required may differ between golfers and is something that will become clearer with experience as you play rounds with the individual.
Common Tasks for a Coach:
Coaches have several key responsibilities during a round, which can be broken down into specific tasks to ensure the golfer receives the proper support throughout the game.
Distance and Direction Assistance:
- Helping with Alignment: The coach provides verbal guidance on how to align the golfer with the target, ensuring they are positioned correctly before taking a shot.
- Distance Estimation: Coaches assist with estimating the distance to the target or flag, using methods like pacing or a rangefinder, to help the golfer make informed decisions about the club to use and the strength of the shot.
- Shot Direction: Coaches help direct the golfer’s shot by offering information on the direction to aim, whether the golfer is teeing off or setting up for an approach shot.
Terrain Description:
- Course Layout Guidance: Coaches provide detailed descriptions of the course’s layout, helping the golfer visualize the terrain ahead, such as slopes, hazards, and changes in elevation, so they can make better strategic decisions.
- Surface Texture and Obstacles: Coaches describe any changes in the surface texture of the fairway, such as rough patches, sand traps, or water hazards, as well as any obstacles like trees or bunkers, which may be in the golfer’s path.
- Green Description: When approaching the green, coaches describe its size, shape, slope, and any other features, such as pin location, to help the golfer approach their putt or chip shot more effectively.
Hazard Information:
- Potential Hazards on the Course: Coaches provide information on hazards such as water, sand traps, or out-of-bounds areas. Some golfers may need detailed descriptions of these hazards, while others may prefer to remain unaware, so it’s important for the coach to know the golfer’s preferences.
- Strategic Advice: Coaches may offer advice on how to avoid hazards or play around them, whether it involves aiming for a safer part of the fairway or taking an alternative route to the green. This helps golfers plan their shots to minimize risk and improve performance.
Shot Feedback and Encouragement:
- Evaluating the Shot: After the golfer takes a shot, the coach can provide feedback on the direction, distance, and accuracy of the shot, helping the golfer assess their performance and adjust for future shots.
- Encouragement and Confidence Building: Coaches should offer positive reinforcement, encouragement, and support to boost the golfer’s confidence, especially when a shot doesn’t go as planned. This mental support can help the golfer stay focused and motivated throughout the round.
General Assistance on the Course:
- Navigating the Course: Coaches assist golfers with moving around the course, including walking to and from the golf cart, helping with any changes in terrain, and guiding the golfer around obstacles or hazards that may not be easily visible to them.
- Club Selection: Coaches can help golfers decide which club to use based on the distance to the target, course conditions, and the type of shot the golfer is attempting. This is especially useful for golfers who may have difficulty gauging distances or club choices on their own.
- Weather and Course Conditions: Coaches may help assess weather conditions like wind, which could impact the golfer’s shot. They also provide guidance on how to adjust their game based on these conditions.
USGA Rules for Blind Golfers and Coaches
The United States Golf Association (USGA) provides rules and clarifications for coaches assisting blind golfers during competitive rounds.
Definition of a Coach:
- Definition of “Coach” – The status of the coach and the duties which he may perform should be defined clearly. Without such clarification, it would be difficult, for example, to determine how a blind golfer must proceed if his ball were to strike his or another player’s coach after a stroke. Therefore, the following definition is suggested:
Notable USGA Rules:
- A coach is someone who helps a blind golfer with alignment and addressing the ball before a stroke. Under the USGA rules, a coach has the same status as a caddie.
NOTE: A player may ask for and receive advice from his coach. - Rule 6-4 (Caddie) – There is nothing in the Rules which would prohibit the coach of a blind golfer from functioning as his caddie. For a variety of reasons, however, a coach may not be able to perform the duties of a caddie. Therefore, there should not be a prohibition against a blind golfer having both a coach and a caddie. In such circumstances, however, the coach may not carry or handle the player’s clubs except in helping the player take his stance or align himself prior to making the stroke, or in assisting him as permitted by analogy to Decision 6-4/4.5. Otherwise, the player would be subject to disqualification for having more than one caddie.
- Rule 8-1 (Advice) – In view of the Definition of “Coach,” it is suggested that Rule 8-1 be modified as follows:
- 8-1. Advice – A player shall not give advice to anyone in the competition except his partner. A player may ask for advice from only his partner, either of their caddies or, if applicable, their coaches.
- Rule 13-4b (Grounding Club in Hazard) – The following additional Exception under Rule 13-4 is suggested:
- Exceptions – Provided nothing is done which constitutes testing the condition of the hazard or improves the lie of the ball, there is no penalty if a blind golfer grounds his club in a hazard preparatory to making a stroke. However, the player is deemed to have addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.
- Rule 16-1f (Position of Caddie or Partner) – Due to the complexities involved in aligning a blind golfer on the putting green, it may be difficult or unreasonable to expect the blind golfer and his coach to comply with Rule 16-1f. Therefore, there should be no penalty if a player’s coach positions himself on or close to an extension of the line of putt behind the ball during a stroke played from the putting green provided the coach does not assist the player in any other manner during the stroke. However, given the intent of Rule 16-lf, it may be appropriate to prohibit a coach who is simultaneously functioning as a double caddie from remaining in a position which contravenes this Rule.
For more information regarding these rules, contact the USGA:
P.O. Box 708
Far Hills, NJ 07931-0708
Phone: 908 234 2300
fax: 908 234 986
Why Coaches Are Important in Blind Golf
In summary, the coach’s role is crucial in ensuring that blind and low vision golfers have the guidance and support they need to navigate the course and enjoy the game. The level of assistance provided will vary from golfer to golfer, but the coach’s presence is essential to the golfer’s success and enjoyment of the round. Whether assisting with alignment, describing the terrain, or offering hazard information, the coach plays a key role in helping the golfer perform at their best. Since most golf played at MABGA events is casual, the coach’s responsibilities may be more flexible in these settings, but the support remains indispensable for a positive and enjoyable experience.