Golf
The Special Olympics Golf program is centered 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 Individual Skills or 3, 6, or 9 hole rounds. There is also a Unified Golf Option which pairs an athlete with a partner of their choosing to compete as a team. Partners can be anyone who does not have an intellectual disability. See our Unified sports section for more info on Unified Golf.
School District 54 offers:
Individual Skills – Entry-level athletes are tested for six skills similar to on-course play, including a wood shot, an iron shot, a pitch shot, a chip shot, a long putt and a short putt.
3, 6, or 9 hole golf for the more advanced golfer. Depending on their level they can compete in 3, 6 or 9 hole golf rounds.
Golf Facts
Golf made its debut at the 1995 Special Olympics World Summer Games in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
119 athletes from 12 Programs competed in golf at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland.
As of the 2005 Special Olympics Athlete Participation Report, 13,916 Special Olympics athletes compete in golf.
Registration is open in May and the season runs until mid-July.
Subscribe to the Golf Individual Skills Calendar: Golf Skills
Subscribe to the 3-6-9 Hole Calendar: 3-6-9 Hole Golf Calendar