Matthew Duman and his father Scott bond thru golf.

Laurel Creek member shines in Special Olympics Golf events

  Golf is more than just a game to Matthew and Scott Duman. It’s a father and son bonding outlet, and through the Special Olympics Golf Program, that bond continues to grow.

  The Dumans, both members of Laurel Creek Country Club, compete in events regularly — Scott on the bag, Matthew, who is diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, in the field.

  “Sometimes when I’m playing, he helps me,” Matthew, 17, said.

  “Caddying for him is more nerve-wracking than playing with him,” Scott, 49, added.

  The nerves must be tempered now. Matthew won the Level IV gold medal in the 14th Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational at Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club Oct. 18-20. A field of 176 golfers from 23 programs representing the U.S. and Canada competed in one of five levels of competition — individual skills (Level I), 9 and 18-hole alternate shot team play (Levels II & III) and 9 and 18-hole individual stroke play (Levels IV & V).

  Matthew carded nines of 54, 50 and 49 for a two-stroke victory over Kevin Pritchard of Mississauga, Ont.

  “It was really fun,” Matthew said. “I never played on those courses before. The bunkers were tough.”

  “It was nice because Matt improved his score each day,” Scott added. “I was really proud of him.”

  A week later, Matthew maintained his Level IV mojo with a victory in the NJ Special Olympics Fall Festival Golf Tournament at Mountain View Golf Course. He carded a 6-over-par 43, which included double bogeys on Nos. 1 and 9.

  “It was much better than the other tournament because I didn’t hit any balls into the bunker,” Matthew said.

  Matthew’s participated in the Special Olympics Golf program for the last three years. He learned about it through the organization’s tennis program, which he is involved with as well. Matthew will represent the New Jersey team in the 2014 Special Olympics National Games.

  At age 4, Matthew started swinging a golf club, though his interest in the game probably began years earlier.

  “When Matthew was an infant, I would take him to the driving range in his car seat,” Scott, a Laurel Creek member since 1996, said.

  Today, Matthew takes lessons from Glenn Gardner, the club’s teaching professional. He attends The Y.A.L.E. School, an institution for children with learning disabilities. Matthew plans to continue participating in the Special Olympics Golf program — with dad on the bag, of course.

  “The Special Olympics does a really nice job,” Scott said. “It’s a nice way for them to compete.”

  The Dumans reside in Moorestown, N.J.

  The Special Olympics Golf program began in 1988 with the assistance of The PGA of America and USGA. Currently, 50 U.S. Special Olympics Programs offer golf training and competition, and more than 18,000 athletes participate in golf competitions in Special Olympics in North America.

  The Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational Tournament, presented by KPMG, is hosted by the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games Organizing Committee, in conjunction with Special Olympics North America. It is also supported by tournament sponsors The PGA of America, USGA and PGA Tour.