Zohar Sharon, 61 years old, won his fifth World Blind Golf Championship this past weekend in Australia. Sharon, a Zahal Disabled Veteran who lost his eye sight during his military service, is a member of Haifa’s Beit Halochem. Two days earlier he also captured the Australian Open. Both competitions were held at the Nelson Bay Golf Club, north of Newcastle NSW.

The Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization has supported Zohar since he first began playing and has provided him with the resources and backing necessary to train daily and participate in international competitions. Together with his caddy and trainer, Shimshon Levy, Zohar practices six days a week, seven hours a day at Caesarea’s Golf Course.

He serves as a goodwill ambassador around the world, promoting the important cause of the Zahal Disabled Veterans and is always willing to assist by playing at fund raiser Gold Day Tournaments.

Not only has Sharon excelled on the world stage, he’s also served as an inspiration to a new generation of disabled golfers in Israel. At Beit Halochem Haifa, around 20 veterans have taken up the sport because of Sharon’s courageous example. Some of these veterans are missing limbs, some play seated and some require use of the Paragolfer, a special cart enabling paraplegics to play from a standing position.

All are meeting this new challenge – and enjoying the sport!