Legally blind -- and still playing golf!
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When my husband was 42 years old, he was told he was legally blind. At that time, he was driving a UPS delivery truck. Our children were 12 and 18. It was a scary time.
And yet, in the 20 years since his diagnosis, he has continued to be an inspiration to all of us. A former golf professional and semi-pro baseball player in his youth, Whitey's positive attitude and sense of humor continue day after day.
He was inducted into both the Erskine Athletic Hall of Fame and the York County Athletic Hall of Fame! He's our hero!
Note: Photo is Whitey, our son Randy, and our grandson, Zachary. Zach loves to go to the driving range with his "Poppy"!
The Game Must Go On
Golf continues
Every morning, Whitey and his golden retriever, Miss Hogan, walk up the street to the driving range. He practices every day for at least an hour.Two or three days a week, he plays golf with his golf buddies. They always seem to have a big time. Of course, I know for a fact that Whitey's golf bag is filled with jokes and tricks!
One of his favorite golf buddies is our son, Randy. Randy won the Carolinas Junior Championship in 1983 and played on the Winthrop University golf team in the late 1980's. The two of them have a wonderful time playing our local course, and are planning a second trip to Scotland next year.
ADDENDUM:
Since I made this lens, I have been asked lots of questions via e-mail and on forums. You want to know how Whitey manages to play golf visually impaired, and if Hogan goes to play golf with him.
Hogan does not go on the golf course. She just goes to the driving range. Originally she was to be trained to play golf with Whitey, but to be honest, we just spoiled her too bad! We are not nearly strict enough to train her that seriously. She is a beautiful animal and a very smart dog. (and very spoiled!) I trust her to keep Whitey out of any serious trouble out there -- like unseen cars on the road, strangers, animals. But no, she is not a golf dog really.
It is important to remember that Whitey was a club professional for 14 years. He says he has "muscle memory" and that makes perfect sense to me. He also knows the golf course here at home very well. He was the club professional here when we moved to Rock Hill, and has served on the Greens Committee and worked voluntarily from time to time on the golf course since that time. His golf buddies do help him when they are playing.
When he plays out of town, he does require more assistance from his friends.
Whitey has made ten holes-in-one, 3 of those since being declared legally blind.
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GustBuster Metro 43-Inch Automatic Umbrella
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INTECH Golf Tee 3 1/4" 75 Pack (White)
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IZOD Men's Microfiber Double Pleat Golf Short
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52 years at the Masters Golf Tournament
Whitey has attended the Masters Golf Tournament for the past 52 years. For the past ten years, the Masters Practice rounds (Par 3) on Wednesday have become a family tradition. He comes home to watch the weekend play on television, so that he can get really really close to the screen or stretch out and listen to the commentators. Every TV in the house is tuned to the Masters.Early in the morning in the weeks before the Masters and during Masters week, the Masters song is played over and over again! The link to the Masters song is found in the Link list below!
Jack Nicklaus gave Whitey a golf ball at Masters 2007
What a thrill!
When Jack Nicklaus was on the tour in the 1960's and Whitey was a young club professional, Whitey always gave him a blue tee for good luck before the Masters. Years passed by and Whitey continued to cheer for Jack. I think Whitey will always be Jack's biggest fan! Then in 2007 at the Masters, Jack came over to speak and gave Whitey a golf ball. That was great fun! Thank you, Jack! and Arnold Palmer, too!
Masters 2007
Masters Fans - this is a good one!
The Masters: 101 Reasons to Love Golf's Greatest Tournament
Amazon Price: $10.07 (as of 10/12/2008)
Memories in golf, baseball and life!
Dictated by Whitey - who absolutely must tell a joke when there is an audience! (See photo!)
(Photo courtesy of Erskine College - Thank you, Erskine! -- wonder how many jokes Whitey has told over the years at Erskine events?)I played one year of minor league baseball (Class D) in 1960 for the Milwaukee (Quad City) Braves and Baltimore Orioles (Bluefield, West Virginia). My favorite professional baseball memories include playing against Henry Aaron in an exhibition game in Bradenton, FL, even though I only grounded out to the pitcher. All the other Braves were there including Red Schondist, Joe Adcock, Eddie Matthews, Bill Bruton, Dale Crandall, Lou Berdette, Warren Spahn.
I was also fortunate enough, as a club pro for eighteen years, to play golf with the following champions: Rocky Thompson, Ed Furgol, Laney Watkins, David Graham, Bobby Galloway, Burt Yancey, Randy Adams, Homero Blancas (the last golfer to shoot 55 in an 18 hole college golf tournament), Ivan Gantz, Vinny Giles, Roger Watson, Jerry Barber.
I have played over 350 golf courses in my lifetime. My top eleven are listed below. Vote for your favorite.
Whitey's Favorite Golf Courses - the top 11
Vote your favorite to the top!
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Favorite Golf Sites
- The Masters: Major Golf Tournament, Golf History, Sports Toughest Ticket
- Bob Jones' Message captures the essence of golf's spring-time classic: "In golf, customs of etiquette and decorum are just as important as rules governing play. It is appropriate for spectators to applaud successful strokes in proportion to difficulty but excessive demonstrations by a playe
- Jack Nicklaus
- Jack Nicklaus is an American professional golfer.
- Arnold Palmer - Top Golfer
- Arnold Palmer is, arguably, one of the greatest golfers of all time, a seven-time major champion who enhanced the popularity of golf in the 1960s and became an American hero.
- The Masters Song - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog
- You know that little piano ditty that's playing in the background when Jim Nantz talks about the 'tradition unlike any other'? Of course you
- Life is good after your name gets in the paper
- Bob Bolin and Whitey Adams
- The Herald - Life. Captured Every Day. - Serving York, Chester, and Lancaster Counties.
- A tradition few can match. Whitey Adams and Terrell Wiggins and the Masters
- Blind golfer scores hole-in-one in Fla. - USATODAY.com
- A hole-in-one is rare on the golf course, but what are the odds of a blind golfer sinking one?...
- Thornblade tournaments hold more meaning for Ware family this year | GreenvilleOnline.com | The Greenville News
- A year ago at this time, life was on hold for Beth and Jeff Ware, because life was on hold for their only child, Adam.
- Whitey Adams started the 31st Erskine Open with a few stories.
- Erskine 2004-2005Erskine Open 2005Whitey Adams started the 31st Erskine Open with a few stories.
Helpful Ideas for the Legally Blind
We use a strip of white tape on Whitey's golf clubs. The tape is placed across the head of the club, with the number of the club written on it in bold ink. We use Bold Black Sharpie pens.Whitey manages a hole-in-one club and often directs local charity golf events. He uses 5x8 blank index cards and writes names and numbers on the cards with 20/20 pens from MaxiAids.com
He can make over 100 telephone calls in a day -- I have seen him do that! He uses a regular touch tone telephone to dial numbers. Mobile phones and house phones with the dial pad in the receiver do not work for him. Also, our local telephone company provides free directory assistance for the blind. A wonderful service to provide!
We buy only one kind of dark socks and one kind of golf socks. Mating socks is no longer an issue!
We always purchase solid neutral colors of shorts and slacks. That way, all of his golf shirts match anything he wears.
And of course, Whitey has a talking watch. We found those at Maxiaids.com
Note: Photo is Whitey and our daughter, Kathy! Read Kathy's own inspirational story at Hemifacial Spasm
We are a very thankful family!
Click Here to improve your game!
Great Stuff on Amazon
My Friend, You Are Legally Blind A Writer's Struggle with Macular Degeneration
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 10/12/2008)
Ruth Cody's Art of Living: Her Inspiring Story of Overcoming Handicaps of Becoming Legally Blind.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Legally Blind And Living
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
Legally Blind links
- What is considered legally blind?
- What is considered legally blind? I've been told it's 20/200. Is that true?
- Products for Independent Living, Blind, Low Vision, Deaf, Physically Challenged - MaxiAids.com
- Maxi-Aids offers aids for independent living including products for blind (blindness), low vision, deaf (deafness), hard of hearing (hearing loss), physically challenged, seniors, mature
- Legally Blind
- HealthMad > Disabilities
Legally Blind by Writer Shirley Lopez, Jun 26, 2007
Being legally blind is not a handicap but a new way to look at life. Here are ways to overcome and live a full life. Coping with being legally blind facing problems on a daily basis a t - Blind Etiquette
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Quoted directly from the Giant Squid Community Showcase! We are so honored!
and a great idea for you, too!
New Giant lensmaster Joan4 shares her special inspirational someone with the world on her heartwarming Legally Blind Golfer lens. The lens tells the story of her husband, Whitey, a former golf professional whose determination to continue playing golf after being diagnosed as legally blind is nothing short of amazing. The lens also shares helpful tips and products that can be useful to other legally blind people.Reading her lens made me realize what a wonderful gift Joan4 had given her husband by sharing his special story with the world by way of Squidoo and it inspired me to share the following idea with all of you.
Why not create a few inspirational tribute lenses to give as gifts to you own family and friends this holiday season?
Tell Mom why she was so special to you and include a few photos of the two of you from days gone by.
Show Dad how much you learned from him in a lens containing some of his favorite tips, advice, and maybe a few photos of the two of you fishing, camping, exploring, whatever!
Tell the world why your friend is the best friend ever!
The ideas are endless!
You could present the Squidoo.com lens' url address to your special inspirational someone in a card along with a note stating that all of the proceeds from the lens will be donated to their favorite charity.
Giving the gift of a personal lens might only cost you a little time but I'm betting the receiver will find it priceless!
Tom Webb's review of this lens on Squid Isle
Thank you, Tom!
By: Tom Webb
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We welcome your comments! Please say hello!
Yes, you can leave a comment - even if you are not part of Squidoo!
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naturegirl7
Congratulations on becoming a Giant. I loved this lens and your story. My Dad played golf well into his 80's until his eye sight became too bad. Your husband is amazing. Posted October 08, 2008 |
This is awesome! I am so proud and lucky to have you both as parents and best friends! Great lens Mom! Yall Rock!!! Love you!!!!!
Posted October 08, 2008
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awelldressedbullet
Joan, what an inspirational story, thank you so much for sharing. Tell Whitey.... he rocks! LOL - Kathy Posted October 08, 2008 |
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ebay-grandma
This is such an inspiration! Attitude has so much to do with how we meet our challenges. Congrats on Featured Lens On Giant Squid Community Showcase. Posted October 08, 2008 |
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lakeerieartists
Great lens! Congrats on making it to Giant Squid! I will race you to 100! I am working on it too! LOL Posted October 08, 2008 |
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bdkz
Congratulations on being Featured on Giant Squid Community Showcase! Go Joan! Posted October 08, 2008 |
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rms
This great lens is today's feature at the Giant Squid community showcase! Stop by and Grab Your Badge! Posted October 08, 2008 |
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ElizabethJeanAllen
You create wonderful lenses. Posted October 06, 2008 |
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chefkeem
Incredible story and fabulous lens! 5*s and a hearty SquidAngel Blessing. Posted October 02, 2008 |
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beachbum_gabby
awesome! how did they do it? :) Posted September 21, 2008 |
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jimordale
WOW! What a lens! What an inspiration to us all. What an amazing couple. Posted September 10, 2008 |
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GingerAlly
What an amazing story, I'm so glad I took the time to read this, I feel so inspired! thanks for an awesome lens! Posted September 10, 2008 |
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KimGiancaterino
What an uplifting story... and I see a few of your other lenses that I need to check out too! You have a special family. My Angel Blessings to you. Posted September 09, 2008 |
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icjackson
Wow - what an awesome story and an awesome lens! Posted September 08, 2008 |
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Cajean
Joan, what a blessing you are to tell your husband's wonderful story here. His great attitude is a good example for us to not be whiners!. I'm sending it on to my golfing nephew. 5* and my faves too. Thanks for your kind words on my Lens! :-) Posted August 30, 2008 |
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BradChamp
Great lens.. Check out my lens on fat loss 4 idiots Posted August 28, 2008 |
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aj2008
Joan & Whitey - what a lovely lens. 5*s. As someone whose Dad (aged 79) still plays golf and has been known to take corners on 3 wheels in a golf buggy (bless!) I salute you both! Posted August 27, 2008 |
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tdove
Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory! Posted August 26, 2008 |
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miragana
Good day! I like your lens. It is very informative and has a very good quality in it. Posted August 22, 2008 |
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EverythingMouse
As many have said here already this is an inspirational lens. I have a close friend who is progressively losing his sight and needs more surgery soon. I am showing him this lens. Thank you. Posted August 04, 2008 |
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poddys
Very nice lens, you created a nice tribute here. 5***** Posted July 24, 2008 |
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OvarianCysts
Joan and Whitey - Posted July 24, 2008 |
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curerestlesslegsyndrome
Great story Joan! Just gave you 5 stars. Check out my cure restless leg syndrome lens and let me know what you think! Posted July 23, 2008 |
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Images_Magical
I don't even like golf -- but I liked this inspirational story. We get taken down by the beatings of life -- by this story, your husband was beaten upon but not beat. His ability to overcome his, in our perception, limitation is amazing. Best to you and your family. Posted July 21, 2008 |
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Amanda_Blue
There is a book entitled Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel which gives true acounts of Zen archers who can hit the target blind-folded or with their backs to it, after many years of practice. There's is not muscle memory but rather a feeling of at-oneness with the target, still they remind me of your husband. Wonderful lens. 5 * Posted July 15, 2008 |
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happinessrules
I really enjoyed your lens! Thanks for sharing such an inspirational story. Kelly Posted July 14, 2008 |
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scarfeet
I feel so rejuvenated reading your lens, your husband truly is an inspiration and a true hero, 5 stars for sharing it with us Thank you, feel free to visit Acne Treatments Posted July 14, 2008 |
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Spook
I'm truly humbled, what a lens and your husband is the type of man I admire, a straight up guy. Posted July 13, 2008 |
The stories are true. I have been a part of many
of them. For about 47 years it has been a ficticious /non-ficticious trip with Whitey as a dear friend. I have never been around anyone who has come to know him that was not richer for the experience.God made him to brighten the lives of those with whom he comes in contact.
Your friend, Big Red
Posted July 11, 2008
Whitey is quite the character! I am inspired everytime I hear a story about him and his adventures. Thank you, Joan, for sharing. You are just as amazing!!!
Posted July 11, 2008
I must admit when whitey is beating me I am tempted to lie about how far he is from the greem!!!
Posted July 10, 2008
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surfsusan
An inspiring lens, this is an amazing story. Thanks for sharing. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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WorldTravelers916
wow for a game that requires such concentration and eye hand cordination...to be blind and play is unreal Posted July 10, 2008 |
AMAZING MAN WITH AN AMAZING WIFE!!!!!!!!AND FAMILY!!!!!!! I THINK THE STORY OF HIS LIFE SHOULD BE MADE INTO A MOVIE.....WOULD BE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL!!!!
KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON, WHITEY ADAMS.....YOU ARE "something else"......yep, you are!
An admirer in North Carolina
Posted July 09, 2008
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pyle_mountain
All I can say is Wow! Great lens about an awesome story. Truly inspiring. 5 ***** Posted July 07, 2008 |
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GolfGuyRob
Very inspiring, great lens. Posted July 07, 2008 |
I'm so pleased to learn about Whitey. His story perfectly illustrates that the only true handicap is a negative attitude. Thanks for this great lens, Joan!
Posted July 07, 2008
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FreeGolfTips
Hi Joan, Posted July 06, 2008 |
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I_Love_Puppies
Hey Joan, Posted July 06, 2008 |
Joan,
You and your husband, collectively and apart are quite inspirational. I am so enjoying seeing you flourishing online and in life!
D
Posted July 05, 2008
Way to GO Joan!!! Great interesting, informative and INSPIRING lens!!!
Posted July 05, 2008
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Marg-Ruttan
Joan, Posted July 05, 2008 |
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GypsyOwl
Congrats on Top 100 ! Well Deserved...This is an awesome lens. Posted July 05, 2008 |
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GoodAdvice
Excellent lens Joan...(an inspirational story) Posted July 05, 2008 |
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eccles1
this is what true friendship is all about Posted July 05, 2008 |
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LifeTeamBuilders
Moon you are such a sweetheart to Whitey. It really shows in this lens. I applaud how you are so dedicated to him. I am learning from you! Posted July 04, 2008 |
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mukunda22
Joan, You have transformed everyone's greatest fear to a real blessing. And Whitey is at the heart of this transformation!! Posted July 04, 2008 |
Hi Joan,
This is a great story!! Thank you for the inspiration and joy that you and your husband both are!!
Blessings to you this Fourth Of July weekend,
Todd
Posted July 04, 2008
It sure makes me proud of my wonderful sister and amazing brother-in-law. Love you both very much. Nancy
Posted July 04, 2008
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MsMorrison
this is courage! great lens! keep it up! Posted July 04, 2008 |
