No guide, no Open!

DREW Cochrane misses out on competing in next month’s Scandinavian Blind Open due to having no guide!

The 83-year-old Ballymena man was really looking forward to the trip to Sweden - but when his guide fell ill he had no option but to cancel.

Although disappointed at missing out his first thoughts were for guide Warren Stewart.

“I hope Warren is on the mend,” said Drew. “He has been my trusty golfing guide for the past 15 years, and is one of the best I ever had.”

Drew is Chairman of the Northern Ireland Blind Golf Association - and has held the position for 30 years!

But he hinted this week that perhaps now is the time for a new face to take over the role.

Blind golf has seen Drew compete all over the world - including Japan, Australia, Canada, America and South Africa.

He had been looking forward to the Scandinavian Open - but this has now been shelved.

Irish Open in Carlow

Speaking to Guardian Sport this week Drew said his next outing could well be the Irish Open in County Carlow in September.

Irish Blind Golf is delighted to host the ISPS Irish Open at Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Tullow, from September 10-14.

SBGA will be hosting The Scandinavian Blind Golf Open, hosted by SBGA, is from August 14-16.

Venue is Sollentuna Golf Club in Stockholm.

For the record players will arrive at Arlanda International Airport on August 13; the following day is practice day, while the first round takes place on Tuesday, August 15. and the second round is on Wednesday, August 16.

This will be followed by the Gala Dinner and Prize Giving.

* If anyone would like to offer their guiding services to Drew they should contact Guardian Sport - and we will pass on the information.

The e-mail address is - sport@ballymenaguardian

.co.uk