Pádraig Harrington has rules tips for the deaf

Pádraig Harrington made the video at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, not far from his home.

We were lucky enough to meet up with some of Ireland's top deaf golfers for a Golf Digest Ireland feature last month. No doubt the boys would be interested to see that Pádraig Harrington's talents have been put to good use by the R&A, who have produced a ten-minute 'Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf' signed by deaf interpreter Nicholas Padden.

Check it out here

The video is signed in British Sign Language, which is different to Irish Sign Language but still widely understood by deaf people in Ireland. 

According to Inishowennews.com, this should lead to fewer rules problems for the deaf, who sometimes have trouble with written English:

The ten-minute 'Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf' is signed by deaf interpreter Nicholas Padden who enjoyed the "challenge" of trying to match Harrington's personality and style.

”It’s been a real privilege to interpret for such a great champion golfer as Padraig Harrington. I understand he has a quick delivery in an Irish brogue!" he said.
Mr Padden was assisted in his interpretation of Harrington's instructions by Signworld director and keen golfer Linda Day.

“Information in written English isn’t always clear to deaf people. I’d now expect to see fewer arguments between deaf golfers about what they think the rules mean," added Ms Day.

Given the rules mistakes made by top professionals such as Rory McIlroy recently and the lack of interest some players have in studying them, this video could be just the ticket.