Hadley Presents – “Golfing with Vision Loss”
Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Ricky Enger
Guests: Judy Messina & Jan Ober
Overview
In this inspiring episode, Hadley’s Ricky Enger sits down with Judy Messina and Jan Ober to explore how those experiencing vision loss can still enjoy and participate in the beloved game of golf. The conversation is both practical and motivating, touching on the personal journeys of the guests, their adaptation strategies, the role of community, and tips for anyone interested in adaptive golf—all with warmth, candor, and humor.
Meet the Guests
Jan Ober (01:13 – 03:26)
- Resides in a 55+ golf community in Salem, Oregon.
- Started golfing later in life; vision loss due to macular degeneration began about nine years ago.
- Vision has declined to minimal central vision (geographic atrophy); has given up driving and sewing but is determined not to give up golf.
Judy Messina (03:36 – 04:18)
- Lives in Wiper Lake, Minnesota; social work background.
- Diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease in elementary school, resulting in significant vision loss over time (now at hand-motion level).
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Personal Stories of Vision Loss and Golf
- Jan did not anticipate vision problems when she started golf but now relies on adaptations to keep playing (04:32).
- Judy began with more vision but has continually adjusted her approach as her sight declined due to the progressive nature of Stargardt’s disease (05:18).
“I was determined that I wasn't going to give up everything. And golf was one of those things. I said, I'm not going to give up on it.”
— Jan Ober (03:17)
Adapting Mindsets and Goals
- Both guests emphasize the importance of adjusting expectations for enjoyment rather than performance (09:58 – 10:32).
“My goal was to be able to go out and golf with other people and have a good time. Not having the expectation of being a great golfer, but to enjoy the game of golf.”
— Judy Messina (08:38)
- Celebrating small improvements and viewing participation as a win (10:32 – 10:48).
“It's not about being proficient at it. It's about having fun. And maybe next week you have a better score on hole number seven than this week.”
— Jan Ober (10:32)
Practical Adaptations for Golfers with Vision Loss
Jan’s Strategies (11:30)
- Color Choice: Uses balls in colors she can see best (white, neon yellow, neon orange).
- Visual Markers: Husband marks clubs with duct tape and dots for better orientation (13:26).
- Communication: Playing partners provide directional cues—e.g., “your ball is right after the third shadow at about 2 o'clock.”
- Lighting Awareness: Adjusts stance or approach when shadows obscure the ball.
- Support: Cannot golf alone; always plays with others for guidance.
“Your job is to help me find my ball. And everybody helps.”
— Jan Ober (07:41)
Judy’s Approach (14:23)
- Tactile Markings: Plans to use Braille on clubs for identification.
- Tactile Grips: Finds grips that help align the club face by touch.
- Coaching Model: Always plays with a coach (often husband, friends, or son) to help with alignment and direction.
- Practice: Spends extra time on driving range and putting, focusing on distance control and tempo.
- Routine: Emphasizes a consistent set-up and swing routine, even practicing where the club will hit before teeing off (19:32).
“I spend a tremendous amount of time practicing at the driving range or putting… just to get a sense of how far back I have to come with my club and also the tempo.”
— Judy Messina (14:39)
Community, Support, and Social Aspects
- Both guests highlight that most people are accommodating and encouraging on the course (16:34 – 17:55).
- Jan discusses the importance of joining non-intimidating, friendly groups that prioritize fun over competition.
- Judy suggests starting with adaptive or local leagues and using formats like “best ball” or skipping holes if needed to keep play moving (17:55).
“If you were a brand new person, I would just find somebody to help you learn — either a pro or a friend who golfs and get some easy lessons…we don’t care what your score is. We're out here to have fun and be together and get some vitamin D.”
— Jan Ober (17:02, 17:18)
- Advice for newcomers: Seek out slower times on the course to avoid pressure, and practice before playing a full round (18:45).
Encouraging Others and Getting Started
- Jan shares how she got started thanks to an invitation from a church acquaintance, emphasizing the power of being an initiator and the accessibility of golf well into one’s senior years (20:56).
"Maybe you could be the initiator for someone else... The man across the street is 95. He plays every day."
— Jan Ober (21:53)
- Judy highlights resources like YouTube, and the United States Blind Golf Association; encourages people to pursue their dreams (22:27).
“If it’s a dream, go after it, and whatever it is, if it’s golf or whatever, just pursue it and do what it takes to have a good time. United States Blind Golf has one comment: they always say you don’t have to see it to tee it.”
— Judy Messina (23:21)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“You don't have to see it to tee it.”
— Judy Messina, quoting the United States Blind Golf Association (23:31) -
“I can’t get upset because I’m not good enough to get upset at my team, but I am good enough to have a good time.”
— Judy Messina (15:43) -
“We had just gone on a Mediterranean cruise because I wanted to see sights before I wouldn’t be able to see them... I told my husband, I am not gonna lose this. I am not gonna give up. And there has to be something I can do.”
— Jan Ober (06:56 – 07:41)
Helpful Resources Mentioned
- United States Blind Golf Association: A national organization supporting adaptive golfing (08:38, 22:27).
- YouTube: For adaptive golf tips, both for players and coaches (22:27).
Closing Thoughts
Both Judy and Jan emphasize the importance of staying engaged, adapting creatively, and focusing on enjoyment, socialization, and personal growth through golf. Their stories are a testament to resilience and the possibility of maintaining beloved activities, even with vision loss.
Key Timestamps
- 00:01: Introduction and episode theme
- 01:13: Jan Ober’s story & background
- 03:36: Judy Messina’s story & background
- 06:56: Emotional impact of vision loss, determination not to give up golf
- 08:38: Finding adaptive golf communities & confidence building
- 11:30: Practical adaptations for playing golf with vision loss
- 14:23: Tactile strategies and the role of coaching
- 17:02: Positive social experiences on the golf course
- 19:32: Establishing routines and practice techniques
- 20:56: Encouragement to get involved and be an initiator
- 22:27: Resources for adaptive golf (YouTube, blind golf organizations)
- 23:31: “You don’t have to see it to tee it.”
- 23:58: Final thanks and wrap-up