Pinehurst, N.C. – The pursuit of equitable competition is driving a surge in adaptive golf, highlighted by the U.S. Adaptive Open, where golfers with disabilities are finding a platform to showcase their skills. For athletes like Matt, a Maryland resident with multiple disabilities, the need for challenging competitive opportunities extends beyond simply playing the game; it’s about reaching his full potential and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
Matt’s story underscores a broader challenge within disabled golf: a scarcity of events that truly test elite players. While he excels – boasting an impressive 4.7 handicap index, placing him among the top 9 percent of male golfers nationally, and considered by Jim Schmutz, president and CEO of Special Olympics Maryland, as ”probably a top 10 player in the world” among disabled golfers – Matt finds existing competitions insufficiently challenging. “It was too easy for me,” he says of his recent experience in the Special Olympics, where players typically compete from forward tees, a contrast to his preferred play from the tips.
This disparity highlights the critical role of events like the U.S. Adaptive Open, a USGA tournament designed specifically for golfers with disabilities – including visual, intellectual, and coordination impairments - in providing a level playing field. The tournament offers a competitive experience tailored to diverse needs, allowing athletes like Matt to truly test their abilities.
Beyond the competitive aspect, participation in adaptive golf fosters significant personal growth. Lance Clawson, Matt’s longtime psychiatrist, notes the uncommon ability of individuals with Matt’s challenges to excel in a sport demanding intense focus and emotional control.”You don’t see this very often, and you really don’t see it in games like golf, where it takes so much focus and so much capacity to maintain control,” Clawson explains.
Matt’s dedication extends beyond the course, working with a team of doctors and therapists to improve dialog and emotional regulation. His unwavering drive, both on and off the course, serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of sport and the importance of inclusive competitive opportunities.
