Special Olympics Golf

Individual Skills Golf - Athletes learn and practice all the shots required to play on the course- wood, iron, pitch, chip, and sand shots, as well as putting. In competition, they are required to perform all the shots listed and are awarded points based on their ability to do so. Athletes practice once a week in May-early July to prepare for the regional competition. Gold medal winners in the regional competition advance to the State Special Olympics Illinois Outdoor Sports Festival in September and continue with practices until the state competition.

3 and 6 Hole Golf- Golfers may play 3 or 6 holes for competition. In hole play, shot making, etiquette and the rules of golf are emphasized. Practice consists of playing the course and working at the driving range and practice putting green. Athletes practice once a week, from May-early August to prepare for the regional competition. Gold medal winners in the regional competition advance to the State Special Olympics Illinois Outdoor Sports Festival in September and continue with practices until the state competition.

9 Hole Unified Golf- In 9-hole unified golf, a Special Olympics athlete and a peer without disabilities play together as a team for competition. Each golfer plays 9 holes and keeps their own score. At the end of the round, the scores are combined for a final unified score. With their partners as a guide, athletes learn etiquette, club selection, shot making, scoring and the rules of golf. Unified golfers practice once a week from May-early July at the driving range and putting green or on the course. Golfers are also expected to play the course with their unified partner outside of practice time for additional work. Gold medal winners in the regional competition advance to the State Special Olympics Illinois Outdoor Sports Festival in September and continue with practices until the state competition.