Blind golfer Jim Gales has paid tribute to his friend and sighted guide Paul Shepherd, as the pair set off for a four-day competition in the USA.
Jim has been invited to play for Canada against the USA, in what is regarded as blind golf’s Ryder Cup, at Wadsworth, Ohio, on Thursday.
He has played all over the world but he stressed how much he depends on Paul, who does everything from correcting his stance to telling how far he is from bunkers or trees.
Jim, who lives in Springfield, near Cupar, began losing his sight when he was in primary school, due to retinitis pigmentosa, or night blindness, which left him blind, as it did one of his siblings.
It has not held him back, however, as the US event will be his 50th on the international circuit.
He is the reigning Scottish Open and Scottish Order of Merit Champion, and was made an MBE for his services to the sport.
He and 56-year-old Paul, a past captain of St Michaels Golf Club, have been together for years, and Jim said their relationship is like that of siblings.
“I get quite choked when I think about it, and I love him more than a brother,” he said. “To call him a caddie and a guide is an understatement.
“We have been golfing partners now for almost 12 years and he is getting better at it.
“We have come to an understanding that good shots are mine and duffers are his. That sounds fair,” said Jim with tongue in cheek.