A Norfolk man who lost most of his sight three years ago has won a major golf tournament in the USA.
Paul Innocent, from Sheringham, took the top spot at the United States Blind Golf Association's flagship event in Georgia.
In 2023, the 43-year-old was diagnosed with Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, an incurable disease that has left him blind in his right eye and with only 30pc vision in his left.
But Mr Innocent, who lives in Stiffkey, responded to adversity by pursuing his decades-long golf passion and last summer in Scotland won the B2 category of the ISPS British Blind Open.
Now he has scaled fresh heights by emerging victorious at the ISPS Handa US Blind Open at Green Island Country Club in Columbus.
After two days’ competition alongside guide, caddie and coach Rob Linge, he won by a single stroke.
He also finished top of the pile in the B2 category, seven shots clear.
Speaking on his return to north Norfolk, Mr Innocent said: “What an experience. I don’t think it’s settled in - it’s just a bit surreal at the minute.
“Sitting with my wife Kelly eighteen months ago, she found England and Wales Blind Golf. I said to her, ‘Can you imagine if I get to play in the British Open? And what even if we get to go and play in the US Open?’
“Eighteen months down the line, I’ve played in both and won them both, it’s incredible.
“Golf was going to be my teddy bear to cling to and get out and be able to express myself, still do something I love. I never thought it’d take off like this.”
With Mr Innocent every step of the way in America was fellow Sheringham golfer Mr Linge, who himself has lost an arm.
Mr Innocent said: “Rob loved it. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I couldn’t have done it without him and I truly mean that – it was a team effort."
