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Torch Run
Crossing the Finish Line

Get Certified!

Get Certified!

Do you want to get certified in this sport? Do you need to be recertified? Contact Andrea Stamm or visit Coaches Education.

Is This Sport in My Area?

Is This Sport in My Area?

Check your local program to see if they offer this sport.

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship Course

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) developed a complimentary course to give you a better understanding of sportsmanship and how it impacts your specific role in modeling it at all practices and competitions. Insight is shared throughout the course from fans, players, parents, coaches and officials.
The free course takes about 15 minutes to complete and can be found in the NFSH website. This is an extra resource for local programs and coaches, but it is not currently a part of SONC's certification process. Once the course is complete, each coach will receive a certificate. If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Stamm.

Golf

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

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

Divisional Qualifiers are designed to division athlete/teams for the state-level event. Attendance and participation is mandatory to advance to state-level competition.

SONC Fall Tournament is held in High Point the first weekend in November.

Special Olympics National Golf Invitational Tournament is hosted by Special Olympics North America and is traditionally held in September.

 Golf Calendar


All forms must be submitted by the local program coordinator.

Qualifier Registration Forms

Qualifier Coach Roster
Qualifier Course Play Entry Form

Fall Tournament Sport Registration Forms

Below are the sport-specific registration forms which must be submitted by the local program coordinator along with the remainder of Fall Tournament registration. Click here for a full list of Fall Tournament registration forms.

Fall Tournament Individual Skills Entry Form
Fall Tournament Course Play Entry Form

Assessment Forms

For coaches’ use only – do NOT submit with registration

Individual Skills Worksheet

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

Certified Clinicians

In addition to the sport development team, these volunteers are able to conduct local sport specific training schools on behalf of SONC. Contact the clinician in your area if you would like to schedule a training (their county of residence is located under their name). For more information on becoming a certified clinician, contact Andrea Stamm.

Peter Cowick
Mecklenburg