 |
(From left) Steve Harmon (Golfweek) caddies for Buddy Randall during the final round of the Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament held at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Monday, October 6, 2008. (Photo by Ray Graham/PGA of America) |
More than 200 Special Olympics golfers and Unified Sports® partners from 24 Special Olympics Programs competed in the 2008 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament, 3-6 October, at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA. Players teed off on the award-winning Ryder and Wanamaker Courses at the PGA Golf Club, ranked as one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” by Golf Digest. Golfers ages 10-60 played in five levels: individual skills, nine- and 18-hole team and nine-and 18-hole stroke play.
First-time Special Olympics volunteer Jerry Rogak said he would definitely do it again. "I've played competitive tournaments all my life and I am simply amazed at the sportsmanship Special Olympics golfers show during the course of this event. I've found that they genuinely want their fellow players to do well and encourage their every shot. Their reactions to playing the game are inspiring and they just enjoy the chance to play. It will make me play differently moving forward."
 |
ABC talks to Bob Baldassari (C) and Special Olympics athletes prior to round 2 of the Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament. (Photo by Ray Graham/PGA of America) |
A highlight of the tournament was the gold medal that Buddy Randall, 30, of Wylie, Texas, won in his division of the nine-hole stroke-play event. In the tournament’s final round, he shot 52 to match his best score for the three rounds.
The golf industry has joined to support Special Olympics golf with The PGA of America, USGA and PGA Tour as presenting sponsors; the LPGA and GCSAA as supporting sponsors; and the PGA Golf Club as event sponsor.
Steve Harmon, Deputy Editor of Golfweek, writes, “Bob Baldassari, general manager of PGA Golf Properties/Florida, refers to the event as the season’s ‘fifth major.’ It’s that big of a deal around here.”
 |
Grace Anne Braxton (right) during the final round of the Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament. (Photo by Ray Graham/PGA of America) |
Read more about the Special Olympics National Invitational Golf Tournament
|
