Following an invitation to compete on the Canadian Golf Team, against the USA, Jim Gales of Springfield (pictured far back right) is about to head off to Wadsworth Ohio for their 4day Ryder Cup event.

Jim (46) is a blind golfer.  He began losing his eyesight when he was in primary school to Retinitis Pigmentosa, or night blindness, which began a slow deterioration, and eventually stole his sight, as well as that of one of his siblings. Still, it hasn't held him back; this will be Jim's 50th international event, which includes many World and Open Championships.  He is the reigning Scottish Open and Scottish Order of Merit Champion and has competed in countriesincluding Canada, the USA, Japan and Australia.

Jim said, "This will be the second time I have been invited to play on the Canadian Team.  The previous occasion was in 2005, when the US claimed the title after a foreshortened event due to horrendous weather, so we are going back for some revenge this time".

Obviously, those who have lost their sight are unable to golf alone. Jim's main sighted guide is Tayport's Paul Shepherd, Past Captain of St Michaels Golf Club.

Paul, 56, does everything from correcting Jim's stance to holding back
information, like how far he is from bunkers or trees.  "Sometimes, it's for his own good, and I have to be a bit bossy", Paul said, joking.  At the tee, Paul positions the club near the ball and steps back. Jim swings, sending the ball toward the hole. He can tell by the sound and the feel of the club where he hit the ball.  

To a stranger, the relationship mimics that of siblings.  "I love him
more than a brother, Jim said, choking on his words. "To call him a caddie and a guide is an understatement, we have been golfing partners now for almost 12 years and he is getting better at it.  We have come to an understanding, that good shots are mine and duffers are his.  Sounds fair? "

The two teams in Ohio will be competing for the McCulloch Memorial Cup, named in honour of Denny McCulloch, a visually impaired golfer from Canada who lost his battle with cancer in 2006, and pits 10 of the top visually impaired golfers from the United States, against 10 from Canada.

The event, hosted by the Rittman Lions and supported by many, including Titleist, will take place at Ridge Top Golf Course in Montville Township from 24 June.  Aside from showcasing the talents of the golfers, it raises money for sight-related causes, particularly adaptive technology scholarships for those who are unable to see and need such assistance for school or work and donates monies raised to The Foundation Fighting Blindness

The two teams of blind golfers, who will be accompanied by their sighted guides, are as follows

Team USA

Mark Arnold (Captain),  Charlie Adams, Ron Derry, Brad Eaton, Kevin Edwards, Harry Hester, Bruce Hooper, Joe Hojnicki, Tim Jackson & Ron Murner.

Team Canada

Brian MacLeod (Captain), Glenn Babcock, Bruno Boucher, Jim Gales, Rick Kush, Tim Nolan, Doug Penner, Doug Stoutley, George Thirkill &Mike Vrooman.