International call up crowns impressive return to golf for Debbie

Debbie, who works for Hy-Kleen of Warwick Limited, finished second at the Scandinavian Blind Open in Sweden, shooting rounds of +11 and -12 to finish one under par overall.

She followed that with third place at the British Blind Masters in Southampton, cutting her handicap by 4.5 shots over the fortnight.

The results saw her finish second in the season’s Order of Merit, narrowly missing out on the title, and earn selection as one of 12 players representing England & Wales Blind Golf at the inaugural GB & I Four Nations International at Macdonald Portal in Cheshire later this month.

The call-up marks another milestone in Debbie’s return to the sport. She is also a Trustee of England & Wales Blind Golf (EWBG).

Debbie gave up golf in 2006, when she was playing off a handicap of 11, as her sight deteriorated because of Retinitis Pigmentosa.

The condition causes progressive sight loss, and losing her peripheral and night vision made it increasingly difficult to compete.

She did not know then that organisations such as EWBG could help visually impaired golfers continue playing competitively with a guide.

She said: “If we had known about EWBG and that I could have continued playing golf with a guide, who knows where my game might be now?

“I lost nearly 20 years of playing a sport I loved simply because I didn’t know this opportunity existed.”

After discovering EWBG, Debbie gradually rebuilt her confidence and form through regular play and practice.

Her guide this season has been Helen Dellow, her friend of 55 years and former playing partner since they first took up golf together in 1988.

Debbie is now determined to raise awareness of blind golf and show other visually impaired people that sight loss does not necessarily mean giving up the sport.

EWBG supports visually impaired golfers at competitive and social events across the country, with guides assisting players on the course.

She hopes to improve further next season and go one better in the Order of Merit.

She is also looking for someone locally who could help her practise over the winter at a simulator, driving range or golf course.

Before then, she will make her debut international team appearance when England & Wales face Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the new GB & I Four Nations.

The Ryder Cup-style event will feature three foursomes and three fourballs on the opening day, followed by singles matches involving all 12 players.

After almost two decades away from competitive golf, Debbie could scarcely have imagined representing England & Wales when she left the sport in 2006.

Now, 20 years later, she will be doing exactly that.