As Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) continues to develop lifetime sport opportunities, golf has emerged as an appealing option in this category. Golf made its exhibition debut at the 1991 International Games in Minneapolis, MN, and North Carolina was one of many states that returned with a desire to implement a golf program. After a clinic at the 1993 Summer Games in Greensboro, SONC offered golf as an official sport, beginning with the Fall Games in Charlotte.
Rules and Resources
Events Offered
Level 1: Individual Skills Competition
This competition allows Special Olympics athletes to develop sports skills in a competitive format. This program is designed to serve as a stepping stone for athletes to move to course play as they master skills and learn game concepts. The individual skills offered for golf are short and long putt, chip shot, pitch shot, iron shot and wood shot.
Level 2: Alternate Shot Team Play (9 hole)
This competition allows Special Olympics athletes onto course play with a partner that acts as a coach and mentor to the athlete. The partner teaches strategy along with golf etiquette, readying the athlete for individual course play.
Level 3: Alternate Shot Unified Sports Team Play (18 hole)
This competition allows Special Olympics athletes with a stong concept of golf rules and etiquette to play with a Unified Partner or similar ability on an alternate shot team for 18 holes.
Level 4: Individual Stroke Play Competition (9 hole)
This competition allows those athletes who have improved golf skills from level 2 to compete as an individual for 9-holes. Athletes are allowed caddies to help advise on strategy.
Level 5: Individual Stroke Play Competition (18 hole)
This is the highest individual level of golf offered by Special Olympics, and is for athletes with a good understanding of the game and golf knowledge. Atheltes must shoot under a 120 at an SONC qualifier in order to be eligible for this competition level.
Competition Opportunities
- Local Invitationals
- 2011 SONC Fall Tournament
- Special Olympics National Golf Invitational Tournament
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All forms must be submitted by the local program coordinator.
Sport Development Team
These volunteers advise SONC staff regarding sport rule modifications, competition and also train coaches in their sport! For more information on the golf sport development team, contact one of the members below or Michael King, SONC staff liaison.
Jonathan Batts
Wilmington, NC
Carl Hibbett, Jr.
Raleigh, NC
Barry Moore
Weaverville, NC
Rich Walderman
Goldsboro, NC
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Qualifier Coach Roster