Special Olympics golf event ends on a high note with several record scores
Several golf and community leaders, including LPGA Tour Player Beth Bader, were on hand for the awards ceremonies.

AMES, Iowa -- Several golf and community leaders, including NIT Honorary Chairperson and LPGA Tour Player Beth Bader, were on hand Monday to present Olympic-style medals to 181 Special Olympics golfers and, in team play, their non-Special Olympics partners from 29 states.

The NIT offered five levels of competition for golfers with intellectual disabilities, Sept. 16-19, with Coldwater Golf Links hosting individual skills competition and nine-hole alternate shot team play and the Ames Golf & Country Club hosting the 18-hole alternate shot team play and nine-hole and 18-hole individual stroke play.

"I did not know what to expect coming here this morning, but today I was amazed by the enthusiasm, spirit and caliber of play," said Bader. "I am impressed with the heart and soul that is poured out on each shot taken, by the delicate touch to knock in their putt.

"I was moved by the sheer joy and look on their faces during the awards ceremonies," she added. "It was an honor to represent the LPGA here this week and I look forward to my continued involvement with Special Olympics golf."

Ames Golf & Country Club Host PGA Professional Jon Vodehnal helped to organize both the tournament and the popular Play Golf America Clinic for Special Olympics golfers over the weekend.

"The outpouring of enthusiasm to play the game is amazing," said Vodehnal. "Encouragement is found everywhere here this week -- especially between players and from family members, volunteers and organizers alike. A great shot is celebrated by all.

Grace Anne Braxton of Fredericksburg, Va., shot her third consecutive round in the 80s with an 89 Monday to finish with 89-87-89--265 to win the gold medal in the Level 5 women's division.

"I have had a great time here this week and shot my best three-round score ever," said Braxton, who has played in all six NITs. "I like playing in this tournament, but I really like meeting people from all over the United States, doing my best and getting to play on new courses."

Andy Martinez of Virginia Beach, Va., along with his playing partner and father, Mike Martinez, won the gold medal in the Level 2 Alternate Shot Nine-Hole Team Play by matching their personal-best 42 from Sunday to win with a 45-42-42--129. Casey O'Connor of Conway, S.C., and playing partner Bob O'Connor, shot 47-49-47--143 to win the silver medal.

"The best part of this tournament is winning the gold medal with my dad," Andy Martinez said. "I did good. I hit straight down the middle, landing it on the green."

"The highlight of my week is watching him get better every day and learning to overcome frustrations on the course," said Mike Martinez, Andy's father. "He enjoys the game and I certainly enjoy playing with him."

Points are earned in six skills that simulate play including: full swing tests with a wood and iron, short game tests with pitch and chip shots, and putting a long putt and a short putt.

Special Olympics golf, part of a worldwide sports program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offers five levels of play for athletes with different golf abilities. Level I consists of an individual skills contest for entry-level Special Olympics athletes which tests six skills similar to on-course play, including a wood shot, an iron shot, a pitch shot, a chip shot, a long putt and a short putt.

Level II is Unified Sports alternate shot team play where a Special Olympics athlete is paired with a non-Special Olympics athlete of more advanced skill for a nine-hole competition. Level III is Unified Sports team play pairing Special Olympics and non-Special Olympics players of similar ability for an 18-hole competition. Levels IV and V are individual stroke play nine-hole and 18-hole competitions, respectively. All levels are in accordance with the USGA Rules of Golf.

Click here for more information on the 2005 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament

Name and Hometown	Level	Div.	Score	Age
Alexis Norwood, Va.	1	F1	24-40-42--106	28
Brandon Hall Richmond, Va.	1	M1	40-45-43--128	16
Andy Martinez Virginia Beach, Va.	2	M1	45-42-42--129	21
Michael Canaday Fredericksburg, Va.	2	M5	67-68-72--207	27
Justin Poythress Chester, Va.	3	M2	122-121-126--369	22
John Norwood Charlottesville, Va.	4	M4	74-72-77--223	30
Ronald Smith Sandston, Va.	4	M6	85-79-82--246	57
Grace Anne Braxton Fredericksburg, Va.	5	F1	89-87-89--265	33
Graham Wright New Kent, Va.	5	M4	108-116-DNF	30
Larry Boykin Mechanicsville, Va.	5	M7	141-138-DNF	25
Johnathon Koch Midlothian, Va.	5	M7	154-154-DNF	25