Teeing is believing
Celts hero’s son targets blind golf glory
THE son of Celtic legend George McCluskey is aiming to follow in his dad’s sporting footsteps – as a blind golfer. Barry McCluskey, 37, revealed he became registered blind after a skin condition led to damage in his eye. But now he is emerging as a top prospect in blind golf, targeting a shot at the Paralympics. Barry finished eighth in last month’s British Open at Cardrona. He now hopes to attract sponsors to help fund his travel to prestigious international competitions. He told how George, who also played for Kilmarnock, Hibs and Hamilton, helped iron out his swing before the tournament.
Barry, who lives with George in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, said: “I was pretty nervous going into the competition because I couldn’t get my drives off the tee.
“But my dad made a couple of suggestions and we sorted it out just in time.” He said golf was set to be included at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, adding: “I’m getting focused on qualifying for that.”
Barry’s eye problems were caused by eczema leading him to scratch his eyes, which deformed his cornea. He said: “My eyesight can only get worse and I could lose it altogether.
“I’ve had to move back in with my parents, who help me face up to some of the challenges.”
Barry – a 10 handicapper – has been classified by the Scottish Blind Golf Society as an E3 player, at the lower end of the blindness, now hopes he might find a sponsor who can help him. ●If you wish to help Barry, call the Record on 0141 309 3250