Visually impaired Paralympian Ian Rose aiming to thrive in golf after stellar judo career

Former Paralympic judo star Ian Rose’s reaction to rupturing his ACL shortly before London 2012 was no different.

The desire to rediscover the competitive edge, which saw the visually impaired athlete win a bronze and silver medal at the 1996 and 2004 Paralympics, has led him to take up golf.

Rose picked up a bronze at the Atlanta Paralympics and Silver in Athens eight years later

“I started to feel the urge to compete again last year and my body was not going to allow me to take part in judo anymore,” the 43-year-old explained.

“Golf was something I’d always wanted to try, and I hadn’t heard of a lot of visually impaired people doing it and thought it would help me get that edge back.

“I wanted to test myself, but didn’t want to do the usual sort of challenge like cycling from Lands End to John O’Grouts.”

It is a challenge that Rose has set about with the drive expected of a sportsman who knows what it takes to reach the pinnacle of his profession.

As a member of Hazlemere golf club Rose has been supported in his task by coach Gavin Cousins and his son Jordyn, and was eager to thank everyone involved with his coaching.

Gavin Cousins (left) has been coaching Rose

It goes without saying that playing a sport that relies so heavily on eyesight has presented obstacles for both Rose and his coaching team.

However, Cousins has been astounded by how rewarding the process has been and is revelling in what has been a fresh experience for him as a coach.

“It is something that we had discussed as coaches before, but I had never come across someone with visual impairment who was interested before,” Cousins said.

“I never really realised how hard trying to enhance the feel of the club in the hand and doing everything by feel would be until I looked into it.

“It is a challenge I always wanted to take on and helping to teach Ian has been an amazing experience.”

With memories of representing Britain still very much in the forefront of Rose’s mind he one day hopes to reach the same level in golf.

Rose had a 22 year judo career before injury forced him into retirement

While his long-term goals are grand the short-term is simple, Rose just wants to build up his confidence around the Hazlemere course and hold his own in local events.

“When I started I had to get used to playing a sport where you have to relax, because I was so used to having somebody fighting me back in the judo world,” Rose said.

“Now the aim is to get confident enough to make my way around the course at Hazlemere, and then to keep competing at events and do well.

“Of course I want to get to the level where I am going to national events and then to the GB team. I am under no illusions that it is going to be an easy job to do so though.”

Rose may well get the chance to test himself in February as the Hazlemere Golf Club is hoping to host an event aimed at visually impaired players. The day will involve both taster sessions and the chance to compete.