Levels of Competition

A summary of Special Olympics golf events is outlined below and designed to offer competition opportunities for all ages and ability levels.

Level 1 — Individual Skills Contest — This level is designed for entry level athletes or those of lower ability to test the athletes in seven skills; short putt, long putt, chip shot, pitch shot, bunker shot, iron shot, and wood shot.

Level II — Nine Hole Alternate Shot Play — This level is designed to give the Special Olympics golfer an opportunity to transition from skill to individual play. It allows for progress under the guidance of a partner whose ability and knowledge of golf is more advanced than that of the Special Olympics athlete. As a result, this level does not function in the traditional Unified Sports model where the partner and Special Olympics athlete are of similar ability. The format will be Foursome (Alternate Shot) — The players play alternately from the teeing grounds and then alternate strokes until the ball is holed.

Level III — Unified Sports Play — A team shall consist of one Special Olympics golfer and one non-Special Olympics golfer. This level is designed to give the Special Olympics golfer a chance to play in a team format in the traditional Unified Sports model where the partner and Special Olympics athlete are of similar ability. This is designed for an alternative competition for the player capable of playing at level IV.

Level IV — Nine Hole Individual Play — This level is designed to meet the needs of those Special Olympics golfers wishing to play individually in a tournament where the stipulated round is nine holes. The player should be capable of playing independently in a stroke play competition.

Level V — Individual Play — This level is designed to meet the needs of those Special Olympics golfers wishing to play individually in a tournament where the stipulated round is 18 holes. The player will be capable of playing independently in stroke play competition.