A pair of of local golfers are heading to the Special Olympics North America Golf Tournament (SONA) next month and their home club are helping to send them there.
Sutton Creek Golf Club in McGregor hosted the “Golf 4 Kyle & Tom Fundraiser” Sunday afternoon with proceeds helping to send Kyle Spearing and Tom MacKenzie to the SONA tournament at the Crestview Country Club in Wichita, Kansas Oct. 26-Nov. 1.
Both have been golfing three to five times per week to prepare for the tournament.
Spearing said he golfs with MacKenzie every Tuesday and he returns to Sutton Creek Wednesday. They also play other days of the week, some on other golf courses.
“I feel great,” said MacKenzie. “We’re doing great. We’re going to do our best and try to get gold, silver or bronze.”
It is the first SONA tournament for MacKenzie and sixth for Spearing. Spearing was clear where he wanted to finish, stating he wants to finish in first place.
Spearing has been golfing for about 16 years while MacKenzie, 33, has been golfing since age 14.
“I’ve played golf my whole life,” said MacKenzie. “I love to be on the course having fun. No need to get mad. Just go out and play.”
Their coach, Cory LaJeunesse, said he can see the improvement in both Spearing and MacKenzie.
“Every year, you can just see the improvement,” said LaJeunesse, who is also the general manager at Sutton Creek.
LaJeunesse said golf is a “humbling game,” and that when a golfer works on a certain aspect of their game, the other parts start to decline.
“They improve every year,” said LaJeunesse.
Whether Spearing and MacKenzie medal or not, LaJeunesse said he is happy as long as they are improving and setting personal bests. They will be competing in Level 5 at SONA, which is 18-hole individual stroke play. From there, they will be divided into divisions based on skill level.
There were 140 golfers in last Sunday afternoon’s tournament.
The two Special Olympian golfers were happy with the turnout.
“It’s sold out,” said Spearing.
“It’s awesome,” added MacKenzie.
Spearing said they were grateful to everyone that turned out at Sunday’s tournament. They also thanked the community and the sponsors, as well as LaJeunesse for helping out. MacKenzie added his sister has “really helped me. improve my game.”
Tournament held to benefit golfers heading to Special Olympics
By Ron Giofu
Comments