Collingwood's Special Olympics golf team wrap up summer season

Collingwood's Special Olympic Golf Team wrapped up the season with big smiles, new friends, medals and ribbons.

"I'm was very proud of them all. They worked very hard," said Patty Federer, head coach.

The four athletes trained between June and the end of August and participated in two tournaments which were both provincial qualifiers for Team Ontario.

Golfer Laura (the team has requested that last names be withheld due to safety reasons) earned gold medals at both tournaments.

At the July 29 tournament held at Stone Tree Golf Course in Owen Sound, Laura won a gold medal, Ashley won a bronze medal and Luke brought home a silver.

Laura was the only female playing a full 18-holes so she played with the boys.

"My coach Jane said 'You really kicked butt with the boys,'" said Laura, 40.

Laura also won at the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course in Brantford Aug. 12 and 13. There were four girls in the tournament.

"I was surprised. When I competed with them, it was neck and neck. That's what made it fun," said Laura, who prefers tournament over training play.

Ashley won a bronze medal in Owen Sound.

"I was happy with that," said the 35-year-old.

Her favourite part of golfing is the social aspect.

"I get to meet new people and spend time with my friends. I enjoy getting out. I like walking. We don't use the carts most of the time," Laura said.

The four athletes were well-supported this season. Cranberry Golf Club donated all the tee times and carts for the season.

"The course was in great shape and the staff were helpful," said Federer.

Luke's father sponsored the team with golf balls.

"We had new golf balls, which is a first," said Federer.

All four golfers also have new or relatively new equipment, which is something that has been missing in years past, said Federer.

"Having proper equipment that is fitted makes a difference. It really does," she said.

Laura got new clubs this summer.

"Oh man they work so well. They are better than my own ones," she said. Her favourite club is the driver. 

All the athletes always play with a skilled golfer who acts as coach and caddie.

The goal of Special Olympics golf rules is to create a level playing field. This is done by grouping the golfers into five levels.

Level 1 is about skills with each club. Luke is a Level 1 golfer. Golfers are scored on accuracy.

Level 2 and 3, or partnered golf, is not practiced in Canada.

Level 4 has golfers play nine holes individually. Ashley and Sam are Level 4 players.

Level 5 has golfers play 18 holes, individually. Laura is a Level 5 player. 

Normally the score isn't announced or emphasized, said Federer, but to qualify of Team Ontario, Level 4s need to shoot less than 60 and Level 5s need to shoot less than 120.

But with Special Olympics, there are other considerations before Team Ontario is made up, such as if the athlete can manage travel away from home. Team Ontario will be announced at a later date and will travel to nationals next summer.

At tournaments, athletes are give medals for first, second and third. Ribbons are awarded for fourth to eighth place. There are a maximum of eight athletes per division.

"So everybody gets something. That's how we create an equal playing field," said Federer.

Athletes are also taught good sportsmanship. 

"They cheer each other on. Even if they have a bad shot, they encourage each other, and not just their teammates," said Federer.