17
are a close second and third. “If dad gets
said, explaining that generally, he tees off
Together, Jared and Chad are national
at nationals competing in that category.
A Talent and a Passion
Elementary School, Jared started playing
for First Tee in kindergarten, taking
worried that playing so late at night, and
Michele said. “Golf was something we
eight. That year, and for the following
two years, he and Chad won gold in their
when Jared was 11, was when he and
Michele said.
Aside from the Special Olympics, Jared
the school year, and he plays in nine-
The last three years, Jared has competed
team, Jared plays weekly from May to
Michele said.
Special Olympics Goals
For an 11-year-old, Jared is an exceptional
Chad, who played golf in high school and
college, and who after college worked
Chad and Jared
the two are great
teammates. The
week, he said, is
get t ing to play a
when he started
happy his son shares
his passion for the
a bad sports parent,
play 18 holes on his own at nationals and
to go on to the World Games.
“When Jared was born, there were
At nationals, Jared and Chad played in
will play 18 holes, also alternate shot.
likely within a few years, he will play nine
holes on his own, at which point, Chad
hopes to become his caddy. It will be
bittersweet; while Chad will miss getting
to play with his son, he will be happy for
Jared to reach that goal. I get enjoyment