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Introduction to the Sport
Like most golfers, Special Olympics athletes are driven by the opportunity to compete. Programme planning is designed to develop individual golf skills that enhance performance, allowing the athlete to achieve success in playing the game. Both on the practice area and on the course, Special Olympics athletes participating in golf have gained the respect of their golf peers. In 2003 Special Olympics champion golfer Kevin Erickson left the crow speechless when he shot a 76 (including a hole in one) and a 79 enroute to winning the 2003 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament – and he won another gold medal at the 2004 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament. Third time was most definitely the charm for Erickson, as he shot a new NIT 18 hole individual stroke play record low round of 75 (a personal best) to win his third consecutive gold medal at the 2005 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament.
The Special Olympics Golf programme is centred on two educational phases designed to encompass all skill levels: learning to swing a golf club and learning to play the game. Athletes may participate in Skills, 9 hole stroke play or 18 hole stroke play.
Special Olympics golf includes five levels of competition:
Level 1: Individual Skill Contest – entry level athletes are tested for six skills similar to on-course play, including a woodshot, an iron shot, a pitch shot, a chip shot, a long putt and a short putt.
Level2: Unified Sports® Team Play Competition – a nine hole alternate shot format that teams a Special Olympics player with a non Special Olympics player of more advanced skill and knowledge.
Level 3: Unified Sports Team Play – 18 hole alternate shot format that teams a Special Olympics player with a non-Special Olympics player of similar ability.
Level 4: Individual Stroke Pay – 9 hole
Level 5: Individual Stroke Play – 18 hole
As noted above, Special Olympics athletes can also participate in Unified Sports® Golf Team Play. Special Olympics Unified Sports is a programme that combines Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (partners) on sports teams for training and competition. In Unified Sports golf, a team would include one Special Olympics athlete and one partner, team mates should be of similar ability.
Competition Venue
The perfect choice for golf this complex consists of an 18-hole course, 9 hole pitch and putt, a first class 30 bay floodlit driving range and putting green. It also houses a clubhouse with bar and restaurant, professional shop and a large car park.
Competition Schedule
| Saturday, 25th July | Rest Day |
| Sunday, 26th July | Rest Day |
| Monday, 27th July | 10.00 - 4.00 pm |
| Tuesday, 28th July | 10.00 - 4.00 pm |
| Wednesday 29th July | 10.00 - 4.00 pm |
| Thursday, 30th July | 10.00 - 4.00 pm Awards |
| Friday, 31st July | Rest Day |
Car Parking
Athletes/Coaches: From their drop off point in front of the club house, athletes and coaches will proceed into the venue via the main entrance at the front of the venue. This is a very short walk, there will be no other traffic in this area at this time. The area will be marshalled.
Officials: Officials will enter the venue via the main entrance at the front of the venue.
Families: Most family members are expected to arrive at the venue by car. On arrival at the main entrance, families will be directed to the spectator seating.
Spectators: There is parking for members of the public at the venue. On arrival at the main entrance spectators will be directed to the competition area.
Honoured Guests: From their designated drop off point, guests will enter the venue through the main entrance.
Media: From their designated parking bays media will be directed to the main entrance.
Volunteers: From their arrival point all volunteers will enter via the main entrance at the front of the building.
Catering
The onsite catering contractor will supply a range of hot and cold snacks during the competition. This can be purchased from the bar/lounge on the first floor of the clubhouse (no lift is available). Volunteers can act as runners for family members wishing to purchase food via the family marquee alongside tee no. 1.
Equipment
All uniform shall be to acceptable golfing standards.
Head Coaches are reminded that competition uniform must comply with Special Olympics Rules on sponsorship (for details see SO Summer Sports Rules, Article I Section X – Commercial Messages (pages 33 – 34).
List of Events
The following events are being offered:
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Competition Rules
The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Golf shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon The Rules of Golf as approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) found at http://www.randa.org/index.cfm?cfid=8515034&cftoken=35758710&action=rules.home. R & A or National Governing Body (NGB) rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Golf or Article I. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Golf shall apply.
For full details of the competition rules please go to:
