“Dalton the golfer!”

Our golfing travels have provided tons of opportunities to meet other golfers. From the professional golfer to the all so serious golfer; from the competitive golfer to the casual golfer; and our own category of golfer – the Recreational Golfer! We continue to meet them all.

However, we haven’t met many golfers on the autism spectrum, probably because parents do not associate autism and golf, and generally shy away from having their autistic kids participate in mainstream sport programs. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.  The most recent figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 1 in 59 children in the USA (1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls) have ASD.

Golf may, in fact, be a wonderful sport for an ASD child who finds comfort in routine and the outdoors, with as much or as little communicative interaction and competition as the child is comfortable with.

Which brings me to our friend’s son, Dalton.

Dalton is a 24 year old young man with high functioning autism. Dalton works at Publix supermarkets in the produce department. He is active in Best Buddies of Tampa and Special Olympics. And……

Dalton enjoys competing in various sports – including golf!

Dalton has been involved in golf since high school. He recently competed in the “Golf Skills” competition for the 2023 Special Olympics state competition, held December 8th and 9th at the Orange County Nationals golf course and training facility in Orlando Fl.

Golf provides Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to develop their golf skills by participating in Individual Skills Competition, as well as 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. “Golf Skills” consists of longest and accurate drive with woods and irons, short putt, long putt, and the chip and pitch skills. This includes best out of 5 for each skill.

As the only individual chosen for the state skills competition for Hillsborough county, this was Dalton’s first time in state competition. He hit 5 straight drives down the middle for 200+ yards with both irons and woods. He sunk 3 out of 5 putts on the short putt challenge and 2 out of 5 for the long putt challenge, earning him first place and a gold medal!

Golf is a “fabulous sport” for children with autism because one of their primary challenges is motor skills. Golf allows them to practice without a team, often with one-on-one instruction. There’s a rhythm to it.

It slows the brain down so their body can catch up.

And Golf can be the bridge to creating meaningful connections for people with autism to others in their life.

Hearing about Dalton’s recent golf accomplishments from his very proud father, reminds us that the more we play this game, the more we believe in the bigger qualities of the game.

And Professional golfer, Ernie Els understands it personally.

PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl established the The Els for Autism Foundation
in the US in 2009 shortly after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism. Els for Autism has foundations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa and the U.K. The Foundation’s overarching mission is to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. In the U.S., to help fulfill its mission, Els for Autism is currently building a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence in Jupiter, FL. The Foundation recently introduced Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf, an initiative focused on using golf as a life skills development tool.

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf program is infused with evidence-based practices for teaching golf to people with ASD. Participants learn golf skills while practicing specific autism learning concepts, including communication, emotional regulation, motor, and social skills. The goal of the program is for participants to achieve their individual golf successes and to build confidence and self-esteem in a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment.

We are so happy for Dalton. He is chasing his dreams one drive, chip and putt at a time!

Dalton’s family and friends are extremely proud of him and his accomplishments – and we are too! We look forward to playing a round with Dalton!

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting.   

Written by Kathy Festa