LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- Bob Andrews lost his sight in the Vietnam War but the patriotic American is keen to serve his country again by helping to revive a Ryder Cup competition for blind golfers . Blind golfer Tony Shearman with guide Martin Poole . Former U.S. Marine Andrews was 22 when he was robbed of his vision in 1967 after a grenade explosion left him unable to see . Andrews only occasionally played golf when he was younger . But when he lost his sight his interest in the sport really developed and he became involved in the development of the U.S . Blind Golf Association . Andrews is excited by the possibility of a return of blind golf 's version of the Ryder Cup , which was last contested in 1995 . And as a former president of the USBGA who now sits on the board of the International Blind Golf Association , Andrews is hopeful the tournament can be revived . `` I would love to see a Ryder Cup for blind golfers make a return . We had some great days back in the 1990s and played some great courses such as Wentworth , '' he said . `` The Ryder Cup itself is really popular and I think that matchplay in a team scenario is ideal for blind golf so bringing it back is something we should all work towards . `` Of course , there are different levels of blindness and provided that the criteria can be laid down -- which has caused some problems in the past -- then I think we could have a brilliant event on our hands . '' Tony Shearman , of the English Blind Golf Association , agreed that there is interest in a Ryder Cup competition for blind golfers on his side of the Atlantic . He added : `` Blind golf is really growing and expanding as a sport in Europe and further afield . I think there is a real appetite among the top players here to get some sort of match up between the U.S. and Europe if at all possible . `` We also have some of the best players , including current world champion Mike Loten , so it would be a really good contest . If something can be sorted out that would be brilliant , '' he finished . Blind or partially sighted golfers have a sighted coach who assists the golfer in describing distance , direction and characteristics of the hole , and helps with club head alignment behind the ball , prior to the stroke . From this point , the golfer is on their own , and it is their skill that determines the resulting stroke . Other than the coach , there is only one relaxation to the Royal & Ancient Rules of Golf : Blind or partially sighted golfers are allowed to ground their club in a hazard . Andrews , who lives in Florida , revealed that blind golfers use several techniques to aid them just before they make the shot . `` Some golfers like to visualize what the whole looks like and get as much information as possible from the sighted coach to try and paint a picture in their mind of what the layout of the hole might be , '' he told CNN . `` But I prefer to play the numbers game . What is the par for hole ? What is the length of the hole ? Once I know these things I can calculate the power needed for my shots and pretty much know how far I need to hit the ball and which club I need . `` Without doubt , putting is the most difficult -- I try to read the contour of the greens through my shoes to get a feel for how hard I have to hit the ball , whether there is a gradient et cetera , '' Andrews explained . `` A lot of the time , with advice from the coach , blind golfers can make it to the greens in more or less the same number of shots as sighted players , '' he said . `` Most of the golf I play is against players who have full vision . And let me tell you they do n't cut me any slack whatsoever -- not a single stroke -- especially if the loser buys the beer ! '' he joked . While the sighted coach is essential to the blind golfer , having an extra person can also bring a fresh set of problems . `` Sometimes having a coach can overcomplicate things for you with the amount of information and often when they leave stuff out it can actually help you , '' Andrews explained . `` For example , I would hit over a lake easier if I did n't know I was doing so -- but if I know it is there then all of a sudden it puts more pressure on you , '' he said . `` The other thing is that you are playing as part of a team , '' he continued . `` You might be on fire and playing the best golf of your life but if the other part of that team is having a bad day it can mean you do n't shoot the score you want . ''
Vietnam veteran Bob Andrews is keen to revive a Ryder Cup for blind golfers . Blind golfers usually have a sighted coach who advises them on shots . There are relatively few differences between blind golf and conventional golf . English blind golfer Tony Shearman would also welcome a return of the event .