PGA-Special Olympics Proclamation

Impressive. Golfer Scott Rohrer started the games off in a big way, earning a world record score his first day of play.

PGA and Special Olympics Team Up

It's been more than two decades since the PGA of America first approached Special Olympics about offering golf as an official sport for training and competition. Since then, many of the 8,000 PGA professionals have been proud to champion the growth of Special Olympics golf in their communities across the United States. Today, nearly 18,000 Special Olympics athletes enjoy playing golf with their friends, family members and unified partners.

This summer, the two groups decided to formalize the longstanding relationship. Athletes, coaches, family members and golf fans piled into a shady tent at Special Olympics town at the USA National Games in Nebraska for the occasion. Honorary PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb and Special Olympics President and Chief Operating Officer Brady Lum were also there to sign a proclamation aligning the organizations.

Global Messenger Dustin Plunkett spoke of his personal connection with the game of golf and told the story of how he always looked up to the PGA players for inspiration and guidance for perfecting his stroke. Afterwards, Whitcomb removed his official PGA lapel pin and offered it to Plunkett in the spirit of this partnership.

PGA professionals offer Special Olympics athletes use of their facilities, instruction and a commitment to enjoying the great game of golf. In the many months leading up to the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games, many Nebraska PGA staff volunteered as tournament administrators, rules officials and instructors.

Golf made a big impact throughout the USA National Games. On the very first day of competition, South Carolina golfer Scott Rohrer made a world record. The 21-year-old  finished round one of the Level V 18-hole individual stroke play event wth a score of 71.

That beats the former Special Olympics 18-hole tournament world record round score of 73, shot by Joel Murray of West Monroe, La, in 2009. Rohrer’s 71 on the Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb., is his personal best score and achieved in just his first 18-hole individual stroke-play national event. The PGA's Brian Whitcomb met with Rohrer at the leader board to congratulate him.

Another Special Olympics Level V competitor, 23-year-old Tyler Lagasse of Tyngsboro, Mass., achieved an eagle on the par-3, 260-yard hole 18 to finish the day in second place of the Level V 18-hole individual stroke play event. His first day total was 79.

Nearly 180 golfers from 39 states competed at the 2010 USA National Games in Lincoln.