Chatting with Carol Brill

Carol Brill is an inspirational woman who I admire for playing golf with Usher Syndrome.

Carol plays regularly with her guide Theresa at her home club Stackstown Golf Club, Co. Dublin Ireland where she is an honorary member. But it doesn’t stop at Stackstown Golf Club as Carol helps volunteer for two organisations Usher & DIGA and also travels around the world playing in golf tournaments and has won some incredible trophies. She certainly is some woman for one woman.

Carol please tell us more about About Usher Syndrome and your diagnosis?

Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disease, the most common form of genetic deaf blindness.  There are different types of Usher. I have type 2, which means I have been wearing hearing aids from the age of four. At about the age of ten, I struggled to see in the dark or adjust to lighting when I came indoors. After numerous test my parents were told I was going blind and were advised to send me to the school for the blind.  My parents searched for more answers and took me to a top ophthalmologist in London who in fact looked after Queen Elizabeth. Finally on my 11th birthday at Great Ormond Street Hospital, it was confirmed I was indeed going to go blind.  My parents never told me until I was 21. It must have been so incredibly hard for them to live with this diagnosis all those years, without internet, support groups, etc.  At 21 years of age, I found out about my sight problems, after going through my teenage years thinking I was clumsy.  Then in 2015 I had a genetic test in the USA and I got the results I had Usher Syndrome. Finding out about this syndrome and genetic mutations was important so I could follow any scientific research projects that are focusing on my disease.  

Just to give you an idea of what I see and hear right now. My hearing is like having your head inside a plastic bucket and everything sounds mumbled. With my sight I can see is clear, but how much I see is not very much. When someone sits in front of me I would just about see their eye, not the full eye but some of it. So I have to scan your face to build up a picture of you in my mind. So lets translate that into golf, when I address the golf ball, I don't see all of it. I only see some of it so my guide Theresa will help me address the ball and line me up and inform me of my direction.

So how did you start to play golf?

During my research to find a new hobby that I would not have to give up because of my sight deterioration, I found Blind Golf clinic up in Leopardstown in 2015. John Langan the Pro put a club in my hand and encouraged me to do some chipping and I instantly became addicted and excited about golf. I could not see where the ball would go, but it got me out on the fairways and fresh air, meeting others. The stress levels would disappear and even my Fitbit stress levels flatline whenever I played. From there on, I met my guide Theresa Schutte, and she encouraged me to join the Get into Golf programme at her club, Stackstown.  That's how it all began.

How did you become involved in DIGA?

DIGA Disabled And Inclusive Golf Association

DIGA was started by Trevor Hillen. His passion for the game of golf being open to people of all abilities and disabilities led him to set up DIGA. In 2018 Trevor invited me to be part of DIGA and it was just wonderful to meet other golfers with different types of disabilities, including the fabulous Brendan Lawlor. When Trevor passed away, a small group of us, including Trevor's wife Vivienne, decided to keep Trevor's dream of DIGA alive. We are now in our third year of activity and with the support of Golf Ireland, DIGA is continuing to grow in membership and activity. This year, DIGA will hold 8 events around Ireland. DIGA also has an exciting tournament to organise, at the request of  England's Disabled Golf Association. This September, three nations England, Wales and Ireland will compete against each other in a team event at Stackstown Golf Club.  I have been asked to be Vice Captain of the Irish Team.

Have you any golf tournaments planned for this year?

I am having a cochlear implant surgery is this month, so I have not been able to commit to any tournaments. But I will definitely be taking part in the three nations this September.  

What is your favourite course you’ve ever played ?

I’ve two favourites one in Ireland and one in Scotland. Adare Manor Co. Limerick, Ireland, It was an unforgettable experience & Trump Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. It was mind blowing as well as wind blowing, such a stunning course.

Have you any advice you’d give someone thinking about starting to play golf?

What are you waiting for! Learning to play golf requires patience.  But once you have the basics, you will love what golf brings you to your life - relaxation, friendships, knowledge, fun, you name it. Golf is my yoga. I switch off and I'm in the moment, every step I take, every swing I take, every putt I make. 

For more information about the Usher Syndrome visit www.usherireland.org

For more information about DIGA visit www.disabledgolf.com

Fore more information about Stackstown Golf Club visit www.stackstowngolfclub.ie

For more information about Adare Manor, Ireland visit www.adaremanor.com

For more information about Trump International, Scotland visit www.trumpgolfscotland.com