| Wesley Williams, of Mystic, Conn., won't ever hit a driver like John Daly, a 1-iron like his idol, Jack Nicklaus, or putt like Ben Crenshaw. But Williams resembles Arnold Palmer, Fuzzy Zoeller, and Chi Chi Rodriguez in his love and enthusiasm for gold
Williams demonstrated those qualities this past autumn as one of 40 competitors in the Connecticut State Special Olympics Golf Invitational at Yale Golf Course, in New Haven. More than 100 volunteers, including national organizers, took part in a tune-up of sorts for one of 21 sports in the Special Olympics World Games, which will take place in New Haven in July. Some 6,500 athletes from 120 countries are expected to compete in the World Games, which will include golf for the first time.
Williams, 22, didn't impersonate Tommy Bolt after he hooked a drive or missed a putt, though his disappointment was obvious. But his frequent face-wide smiles told you golf was his favorite sport. "I like golf the most," said a smiling Williams, who also takes part in softball, volleyball, soccer, bowling, and sailing. "Why? I do it the best."
Williams and "coaches" Jim Caffary and Victor Cicchese enjoyed themselves as Williams's parents, Ed and Ruth, followed their every shot The trio played a nine-hole scramble with another Special Olympian, Stephen Stone, of Bethany, Conn., and won the gold medal in one of three skill level competitions that followed a touching opening ceremony.
"I like golf the most.
Why?
I do it the best."
"Ideally, what Special Olympics does is enable those athletes who are capable to enter into the mainstream so they can play whenever they want," said Jim Schmutz, director of golf for International Special Olympics.
Williams's great aunt, Edith Stanton, introduced him to golf when he was 8 years old. She gave Williams a couple of clubs and had him hit balls in her backyard while she was baby-sitting. "Hit'em pretty good," Williams remembered.
Williams and his older brother, Glen, later set up a mini course in their backyard.
Williams began taking lessons two years ago and received special instruction in September from Senior PGA Tour player Larry Ziegler during a pro-am in Connecticut In October, Williams started working with Gary Chaney, a former professional at Pawcatuck CC, in Connecticut, and there was also a round with Tate George, a former UConn standout and now a player in the NBA, in a benefit tournament at the TPC Course at River Highlands, in Cromwell, Conn.
For now, though, Williams is working to improve his all-time low score of 112 and be ready for the biggest tournament of his life.
Come July, his won't be the only heartwarming experience in New Haven. |
