Legally blind -- and still playing golf!
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At the time of his diagnosis, our children were 12 and 18 years old. It was a scary time for all of us. And yet, in the 20 years since his diagnosis, he has continued to be an inspiration to 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!
Please scroll down for the rest of the story - and if this is your first visit to a Squidoo lens, welcome! We are glad you are here!
Note: Photo is Whitey, our son Randy, and our grandson, Zachary. Zach loves to go to the driving range with his "Poppy"!
Legally Blind Golf is a Challenge!
But the game must go on.
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.
The Official Masters Theme from CBS
Whitey's Number One Song -- Constant in Our House during Masters Week!
a tribute to the Masters
slideshow tribute to the Masters, based on a longer version of the Dave Loggins' song "Augusta" 2007 - Zach Johnson 2008 - Trevor Immelman 2009 - Angel Cabrera
Runtime: 2:43
83258 views
10 Comments:
Celebrating 53 years at the Masters Golf Tournament
Whitey has attended the Masters Golf Tournament for the past 53 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
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!
Vision Aids 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 2020 pens.
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. Also, our local telephone company provides free directory assistance for the blind. A wonderful service to provide!
We just recently discovered an easy to use mobile phone and will be
experimenting with the Doro HandleEasy326i mobile phone. Check back here often for a report on this product!
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.
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April Fool's Day Pranks
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I married the world's # 1 practical joker about 50 years ago! And my birthday is April 1! April Fool's Day is a national holiday in my household! Always has been! You would think I would catch on, but every single year he catches me on some gag or t...
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Peter Oosterhuis
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In September 2008, Peter Oosterhuis was the guest speaker at the Adams Cup Golf Tournament dinner. The Adams Cup is a 17 year old local golf event held annually. Using the Ryder Cup format, the tournament is played between Spring Lake Golf Club and R...
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Legally Blind - Please Be Kind
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Yes, it can be awkward. You suddenly realize that the person you have been introduced to cannot see you. How should you act? What should you say? My husband is legally blind. He does have a little vision. He is not "in the dark", but is unable to re...
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Golf in Scotland
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May 2009 - The Adams Family Tour for Golfers will depart South Carolina and go to Scotland for a marathon week of golf, golf and more golf. This lens features the courses they will play along with pre and post trip remarks from my husband, Whitey, o...
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!
Here's my favorite link:
Tom Webb's review of this lens on Squid Isle
Thank you, Tom!
By: Tom Webb
I'm a Squidoo lensmaster, and I'm inviting you to join me. Find and share recommendations online by building a lens. Click the link below to get started.
I want to make a lens now!
Golf Heroes
- Meet Butch Lumpkin - Golf Video | Golf Channel
- "For a man with no arms, nothing is out of reach!"
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Do you know someone who is legally blind?
Yes, you can leave a comment - even if you are not part of Squidoo!
OhMe wrote...
This popped up on Random Lens Viewer so I thought I would just pop in and say Hi! Glad Whitey had a good trip to Scotland and is home safe and sound.
Posted May 31, 2009
TMZURVITA wrote...
Posted May 29, 2009
grammargoddess wrote...
Great lens--all golfers who are frustrated with their game should read this!
Posted May 28, 2009
GypsyOwl wrote...
Congratulations on Purple Star and #1 in Sports!!! :) You are an inspiration Joan.
Posted May 27, 2009
Spook wrote...
I just came back for another look, couldn't resist it. Congratulations on the sharing hearts lens of the month. So richly deserved. Hope Whitey and Randy tear up the courses in Scotland ( that means play superbly well ).
Posted May 18, 2009
JanTUB wrote...
Wow! My mother (84) has macular degeneration and she still mows her (large) lawn, a few missed bits! She keeps house and is still staunchly independent as she has ever been. My 95 years old aunt has that too, and she can't recognise faces, so you have to tell her who's speaking. She loves to hear me sing.
Posted May 17, 2009
EverythingMouse wrote...
Congratulations on your purple star Joan. Very well deserved. This is one of those lenses which I always remember - it was the first one of your which I ever read I think.
Posted May 15, 2009
Susan52 wrote...
Joan, congratulations on the purple star for this very inspiring lens!
Posted May 15, 2009
ClassyGals wrote...
Congrats on making such a valuable and inspirational lens on squidoo. Great job!
Posted May 15, 2009
CoolFoto wrote...
Yes, about 20 years ago I had a friend who was legally blind. She worked as a secretary and sang in our church choir. Great lens.
Posted May 03, 2009
pattyhahne wrote...
Absolutely amazing. I don't know what else to say but this is a true inspiration. Five *
Posted April 29, 2009
mountainbikes wrote...
Excellent lens with great valuable content. Very interesting.
Posted April 21, 2009
KimGiancaterino wrote...
100 5-star ratings... it's an honor to re-bless this lens!
Posted April 19, 2009
JaguarJulie wrote...
Hi Joan -- just dropping by again to check out your remarkable lens -- in search of that purple star! ;)
Posted April 17, 2009
MattTaylor wrote...
I love reading stories like this... I remember seeing a blind guitarist at a Church a month ago... and I was thinking... "I just bet there were tons of folks telling him that he CAN'T play a guitar!" But he did it anyway...
Good for him and good for your husband, (thanks for sharing) 5 ***** from me...
Matt
P.S. If you have a moment... I would appreciate it if you can tell me if my new golf fitness lens is OK? http://www.squidoo.com/golf-fitness-challenge
Posted April 14, 2009
Ramkitten wrote...
An inspirational, well-written story! Thank you for sharing this. And please do stop by and add it to a plexo (probably "inspirational lenses" is the one I'd choose) at Squidoo Lenses That Don't Sell A Thing.
Posted April 08, 2009
dmeadows wrote...
Nice lens, I'm a golf beginner and have been looking for some good information on the game of golf and perhaps some good Golf Sporting Goods equipment.
Posted April 06, 2009
a_willow wrote...
Wow! This must be challenging! You have a very brave and big-heart husband!
Posted March 31, 2009
optionzone wrote...
Joan, Thanks for this 5* lens. As someone who IS in fact, legally blind, I can certainly relate. So please give Whitey a high five for me. I was born with an eye disease known as Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy; FEVR for short. Some "fun facts" about FEVR: It's a hereditary disease of the retina, no known cure but research was initiated a few years ago. A person can have FEVR and be symptom-free or, with various levels of severity. Fortunately, I have vision corrected to 20/200 on the left eye and 20/400 on the right. Unfortunately, that's not good enough to pass an eye test for a driver's license... bummer, but I've driven a few golf balls in my day :-) My standard joke is, "I'm blind in one eye and can't see out of the other." But life is good and somehow I've muttled through 50 years with this thing. Thanks too because this lens serves as a reminder that whatever challenges we are presented in life, we can overcome (or help someone else overcome) the obstacles. -- Chuck
Posted March 24, 2009
Jeny_G wrote...
This is a great story Indeed. Thank you for sharing this wonderful and inspiring information with all of us. It is incredible how much can the human mind and will accomplish, makes you think your life is so good, doesn't it?
I lens rolled you here:http://www.squidoo.com/Best-Betting-System-Sports
Posted March 24, 2009
Wysiwigs wrote...
Great lens and you are an inspiring family :o) I think it's terrific that he didn't let the change in his vision prevent him from continuing the game he loves! 5* and a big grin for you and you family.
Http://www.Squidoo.com/ConnieCrankpot
Posted March 13, 2009
TopStyleTravel wrote...
What a great story of determination! 5 stars! I love beautiful golf courses and it is inspiring to see that Whitney overcame blindness to play golf, doing what he loves and giving to others. Congrats on the Top 100!
Posted March 13, 2009
wow that was great, and definitely an inspirational story. that is so cool that whitey was accepted into the Erskine Athletic Hall of Fame and the York County Athletic Hall of Fame, and Randy won the Carolinas Junior Championship. two thumbs up!
Squidoo Circle of Friends Group
Posted March 12, 2009
daria369 wrote...
An incredible story, very uplifting and full of optimism - congratulations and thank you for sharing such personal events!! :)
Posted March 08, 2009
julcal wrote...
That is an incredible, inspiring story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. It's no wonder it has such a high rank and I'm going to try to push it just a little higher with 5* and a favorite !
My mother in law was legally blind - don't you just love those dogs?
God bless,
Julie
Posted March 01, 2009
Joan4 wrote...
in reply to mmsjs Thank you! I will certainly tell Whitey and Randy about that golf course - they are both counting down the days and excited to visit Scotland again!
Posted February 26, 2009
mmsjs wrote...
I really enjoyed your lens. It gave me a warm glow and I hope Whitey continues to play for many years to come. I noticed you mentioned he maybe returning to Scotland next year. I live in Aberdeen - Scotland and it's a wonderful place. I would recommend a round at Newmacher Golf Course. They have two courses, Hawkshill & Swailend. The Hawkshill course opened in 1990 and was designed by Dave Thomas. I would recomend this course as it's got everything you could wish for, a really lovely course. The swailend course is a lot newer and still needs time to develop. Even if Whitey can't make a round at the course, Aberdeen is a lovely place to visit for the day and is only 1hr 30 mins drive/train from Carnoustie.
Anyway, keep the golf going it's a wonderful sport and leisure activity.
Posted February 24, 2009
PaulHassing wrote...
A fascinating & uplifing lens. You found my cartoon sheep, I've found another reason to be thankful for good eyesight. It's turning into a fine day! P. :)
Posted February 15, 2009
Michey wrote...
Joan, it is a great lens, you really are exactly as your husband and kids describe you on valentine tribute mimi put together for you. The life is testing us from time to time, I have had my portion of pain, still hearts (this is why I cannot talk about it yet... some day...)
I am glad I meet you on Squidoo, and so many other beautiful people.
All the best Michey
Posted February 14, 2009
readygolfer wrote...
Your lens reminded me of something my grandmother used to say: "Find the good in every situation". Thank you Joan for a great lens.
Posted February 14, 2009
PattB wrote...
Thanks, Joan...Very inspiring lens! I've emailed it to my golfer brother...
Posted February 12, 2009
marsha32 wrote...
Thanks for introducing us to your hubby. I have an ex mother and law and brother in law who are blind.
Posted February 07, 2009
AslanBooks wrote...
Thank you for listing your lens on The Squidoo Ink Pot -- http://www.squidinkpot.com.
Posted February 01, 2009
AslanBooks wrote...
Thank you for listing your lens on The Squidoo Ink Pot -- http://www.squidinkpot.com.
Posted February 01, 2009
NAIZA wrote...
Very inspiring lens! Thanks for sharing your story to many of us.
Posted January 20, 2009
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Joan4, aka Joan Adams, has been a member since October 16 2007, has rated 2,643 lenses, favorited 2,728, and has created 141 lenses from scratch. Joan Adams donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "Dolphin Swim in the Florida Keys". See all my lenses
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