Jan Dinsdale

Jan took up golf three years after she became blind at the age of 40 due to a condition called con-rod dystrophy. Within six months Jan managed to get back to work and then hit a total clinical depression After trying a number of activities, in 1999 Jan discovered Blind Golf, having heard about it through the local media. Jan had found her niche. She has gone on to become vice president of the governing body of the International Blind Golf Association and is currently ranked third in the world, top lady European, US Open Champion, British Blind Open Champion, Italian Blind Open Ladies Champion and, 6 times ladies champion in the South African all-disability golf event, most recently in May this year. She also competes regularily in mainstream golf competitions locally. Jan is funded through Sport NI Athlete Improvement Programme which will assist her compete in the Canadian Blind Open and the US Blind Open later this year. Jan is a member of the Board of Disability Sports NI and the Ulster Blind Sports Network. Jan was recently awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honour for services to Blind Golf in Northern Ireland. Jan is a tireless advocate for Blind Golf in Northern Ireland and is an inspiration and ambassador for NI wherever in the world she competes. I am currently ranked no. 2 in the World. I also hold the Japan Open Championship title. Every year, I run a golf tounament fundraiser for 'Pudsey' - Children in Need at a local Golf Club, so far making over £10,000.