His uncanny ability to hit fairways and greens using only verbal instructions from a helper has seen Briton David Morris twice become world blind golf champion.

But now critics say he has somewhat of an advantage – he can see.

Morris, 59, is being investigated by the English Blind Golf Association over allegations that he is in fact partially sighted, a series of newspapers reported on Thursday.

Among evidence gathered against Morris is video footage showing him apparently walking around his home town of Newquay, southwest England, without using a stick.

In one sequence he strides confidently across a road, negotiates a narrow gap between parked cars and then swerves to avoid a dog, the Daily Mail newspaper said.

Morris's titles have been claimed in the section reserved for those with no sight whatsoever.

A local council official was quoted as saying in the paper that Morris – who always wears dark glasses – had once waved at him in recognition in the street.

"I was flabbergasted," said Gary Redman. "He was 30 feet (nine metres) away and he raised his arm to wave and then lowered it quickly as he realised what he had done."

Agence France-Presse