Golf

Among Special Olympics sports golf provides one of the greatest opportunities for out athletes to train and compete among and alongside their peers in the community. The public setting of a golf course is a great venue for out athletes to demonstrate their kills and passion for the game. For first time players and those of lower ability, Individual skill contests challenge the athlete to achieve competence in the fundamental skills. For athletes who possess the skills four other levels of on course play are designed to stimulate and sustain interest in the game.

A breakdown of the Five Levels of Special Olympics Golf

Level 1: Individual Skills: Athletes compete in six "skill shots", these include the short putt, long putt, chipping, iron shot, wood shot, and pitching. The athlete has five attempts at each skill and earn points based on how close the ball lands to the target. The points from each skill are then added together to determine placing. Unlike traditional golf, the player with the highest number of point wins in this competition.

Level 1.5: Alternate shot between athlete and a Unified partner (3 hole play). This competition gives the novice golfer a beginning step into course play. The athlete and partner alternate teeing off at each hole, as well as each shot leading up to the hole.

Level 2: Alternate shot between athlete and a Unified partner (9 holes play)

Level 3: Alternate shot between athlete and a Unified partner (18 hole play)

Level 4-9: hole play with athlete playing independently

Level 5-18: hole play with athlete playing independently

Highlights Athlete Joshua Lucas represented Charles County and the State of Maryland at the 2002 Special Olympics National Golf Invitational at Port St. Lucia, Florida. Josh placed 4th in his division of the Individual Skills Competition.

 

The Golf team practices at the Potomac Ridge Golf Course in Accokeek. See the Calendar for dates and times.