June 3rd, 2004

A PERFECT MATCH, A PERFECT DAY, A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

Special Olympics Great Britain athlete competes in 2004 Volvo PGA Pro-Am

Special Olympics was warmly welcomed at the Wentworth Club by The European Tour on 26 May, which was also the first anniversary of this wonderful partnership between the Movement and the PGA European Tour. Significantly, 2004 is the 50th Anniversary of The European Tour, and Special Olympics was fortunate enough to be aligned with professionals and management of the 2004 Volvo PGA Championship, the Tour’s flagship event.

Special Olympics golfer Mark Merrett, of Wales, certainly gave his Pro-Am team members a run for their money. A 14-handicap golfer, Merrett displayed his talent and endeared himself to them with his sense of humor. In the esteemed company of former Ryder Cup player Philip Price, Sir Michael, former Secretary of the The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, and legendary United Kingdom entertainer Bruce Forsythe, Merrett played like-for-like alongside the elite of golf, acknowledging that he could “teach the professionals a thing or two.” While successfully putting 60-90 feet from the fairway onto the greens to hole out appeared unorthodox, the method certainly worked for Merrett as his accuracy truly contributed to the team's seventh-place finish (out of 25 groups). Merrett commented how he was treated "like a king.” Sir Michael was won over by his skills and said, “Mark gave the ball a good crack and showed a great deal of ability. He also kept Philip, Bruce and me entertained with his sharp sense of humor.”

The following day, Special Olympics golfers Raymond Percival and Paul Kinnersley from Hartlepool, Northeast England, and Danny Kemp from Eastbourne, Southeast England, enjoyed a day of awareness and hospitality, courtesy of The European Tour and the Wentworth Club. The group was treated to a tour of the complex by Managing Director Julian Small, who insisted each Special Olympics golfer hold the Ryder Cup and savor the full experience. Athletes also had the opportunity to meet British Open Champion Ben Curtis, Assistant Ryder Cup Captain Joakim Haeggman, reigning Volvo PGA Champion Ignacio Garrdio and major champion winner Sandy Lyle and Gary Evans.

The British Broadcasting Company's Steve Rider and Ken Brown also celebrated the anniversary with The European Tour, excitedly explaining to Special Olympics golfers how live television is produced. Ken Schofield, CBE, Executive Director of The European Tour, then welcomed athletes to his offices, which was filmed by European Tour Productions for its television program. Special Olympics athletes were also filmed as they practiced and demonstrated their skills on the Volvo Simulator.

Chris Hooper, CEO of Special Olympics Great Britain, said that the support of organizations such as The European Tour is what contributes to making Special Olympics what it is today. Schofield said, “The European Tour has welcomed the opportunity over the past year to meet Special Olympics athletes and heighten public awareness and understanding of the Movement. These athletes are an inspiration to all in the world of sport, and The European Tour is proud to be associated with such an inspiring organization.”

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