Region J Golf (3,6,9 Hole, Unified and Individual Skills)

Golf provides Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to develop their golf skills by participating in Individual Skills Competition, 3-Hole and 6-hole competitions. Golfers who have the ability to put all of the skills together can participate in 9-hole competition. Unified golf allows for athletes and their non-disabled peers to form teams in 9-hole competition.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in golf compete locally at Region Qualifying events. Athletes are then eligible to advance to state championships at the Outdoor Sports Festival held in Decatur in September.

Golf Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

• 9-hole competition

Unified

• 9-hole aggregate team play

Developmental

• 3-hole, 6-hole or 9-hole competition
• Individual Skills Competition (Short & Long Putt, Chip Shot, Pitch Shot, Iron & Wood Shot

Check In – 8:00am

Tee Off – 9:00am

Skills begin at 9:30am

Region Golf Qualifier with Athletes and Unified Partners from Regions F,G,H,I,J,K. Offer 3, 6, and 9 hole, Unified Golf and Individual Golf Skills.

We will have use of 18 of the 27 holes at the course. The clubhouse is open for restrooms, and to purchase food and drinks. Parking is available in 3 lots and is first come, first served.

We will have a brief Opening Ceremony at 8:50, prior to the first tee times for the golfers. Check-in opens at 8:00. Athletes will complete their events and once a division is completed and results tabulated, awards will be handed out. Athletes are free to leave once their awards are complete.

Participants are to provide their own golf clubs, tees, and golf balls (3,6,9, Unified). Skills athletes will be allowed to use range balls for the skills portions. Participants should provide their own sunscreen, hats, cooling towels, etc. to combat the heat. Water and Powerade will be available to all participants. Masks or other PPE will not be provided by SOILL. Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available.

Awards ceremonies will be done once a division is complete and results are tabulated. Divisions will be determined before the event and based on scores provided by coaches and past scores.

Lunch is TBD. Water and Powerade will be provided. Soda, snacks and other food are available for purchase in the clubhouse.

Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.  Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life.  Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.

Fully vaccinated participants do not need to wear masks, but may choose to still do so.

Participants not fully vaccinated, but who are medically able should continue to wear a mask the majority of the time while at Special Olympics Illinois activities.  Special Olympics Illinois will not be providing masks.  Athletes and coaches must bring their own.

Please check with your Region staff on the status of parents and spectators attending competitions.  With a few exceptions, only registered athletes, coaches and partners are allowed at these events.  It is very important you relay to all parents and guardians the importance of only allowing registered persons into the event.

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to providing the best athlete, volunteer, coach and supporter environment possible.  While we are excited to resume in-person events, the health and well-being of our constituents remains our top priority.  All of our in person events follow the COVID-19 recommended IDPH and CDC guidelines.