2012 Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational Tournament

13th Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational Tournament
When: September 6-9, 2012
Where: The Wigwam Resort, Litchfield Park, Arizona
Who: 203 golfers from the United States and Canada

Scoring: Full results from the tournament
Photo Galleries: Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Sunday: Rohrer wins sixth gold medal in his seventh Special Olympics appearance
Scott Rohrer of York, S.C., won the gold medal in the Level V 18-hole individual stroke play competition Sunday, making this his sixth gold medal performance out of seven appearances. John Stapleton, Elkridge, Md., took home in the gold medal in Level IV 9-hole individual stroke play.

Saturday: Rohrer leads in 18-hole stroke play, Stapleton leads in 9-hole stroke play
Scott Rohrer of York, S.C., shot a 77 Saturday to take a commanding lead of the 18-hole individual stroke play competition after the second round. In the 9-hole individual stroke play competition, John Stapleton of Elkridge, Md., shot a personal-best 43 for a three-shot leading heading into the final round.

Friday: Rohrer takes lead in individual stroke play on Day of Special Olympics golf
The appearance of three-time LPGA winner I.K. Kim on Thursday added to the anticipation of a new venue and Friday’s first round of competition. In the 18-hole individual stroke play competition (Level V), Scott Rohrer of York, S.C., shot an 83 on the par-72 Gold Course to lead the field. In the 9-hole individual stroke play competition, Ian Swain of Canada has a three-shot lead.
--Comments from special Olympics golfers and family members

Thursday: LPGA Tour star Kim inspired by her time with Special Olympics golfers
I.K. Kim, a three-time LPGA Tour winner and Special Olympics Global Ambassador for golf, joined more than 200 Special Olympics golfers on Thursday at The Wigwam Resort. She Kim played a practice round with Special Olympics athletes, presented a skills clinic and participated in the tournament’s Opening Ceremonies.

Schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 6
Practice, Clinic and Opening Ceremonies
Similar to the Olympics, 203 Special Olympics golfers and their Unified partners (for team play) will march in by delegation; a presentation of colors will be staged; an Arizona Special Olympics athlete will sing the national anthem; golfers will recite the Special Olympics oath; and the Special Olympics cauldron will be lit.

Friday, Sept. 7 through  Sunday, Sept. 9
Three competitive rounds beginning daily at 7:00 a.m. Awards presentations begin at the conclusion of play on Sunday (about noon through 3:00 p.m.)

PREVIEW COVERAGE:
200 golfers set for 2012 Special Olympics tournament in Arizona
More than 200 golfers from 18 Special Olympics North America programs will compete in the 13th annual Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational Tournament at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Ariz., Sept. 6-9, 2012. KPMG, The PGA of America, USGA and PGA Tour are presenting sponsors of the 2012 tournament. PGA Professional Greg Leicht will share the tournament director role with Special Olympics Senior Sports Development Manager Craig Pippert.

Special Olympics PSA leaves audience "speechless"
Special Olympics is leaving viewers "Speechless" with its powerful new television public service announcement (PSA) that has begun airing throughout the United States. The spot focuses on Special Olympics athlete and golfer Susie Doyens. Born with Down syndrome, Doyens remained practically mute for most of her childhood due to social pressure and anxiety. In "Speechless," she shatters those fears and attributes her transformation to the confidence gained through Special Olympics.

Leicht receives Conrad Rehling Award for contributions to Special Olympics Golf
PGA Professional Greg Leicht, the general manager and director of golf at Vistal Golf Club in Phoenix, Ariz., has been named the recipient of the 2011 Conrad Rehling Award for his contributions to the growth of Special Olympics Golf. Leicht, who was honored May 29 at the Southwest PGA Spring Meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., is in his 11th overall season at Vistal Golf Club and serves as secretary of the Southwest PGA Section.

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