Team Australia has started well in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games at the Yas Links in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Australians Amanda Patterson (QLD), Chad Johnson (QLD) and Jason Russo (NSW) are flying the flag for Australia in the golf competition, while a further 105 Australian athletes compete across 24 sports.
The Special Olympics World Summer Games feature 7000 athletes with an intellectual disability from 170 nations competing in front of more than 500,000 spectators.
Golf coach Brendan Monaghan (QLD) has helped prepare and co-ordinate of Team Australia in the UAE.
“The Course has been a tough test for all competitors, but to the team's credit they have learnt quickly to play in some pretty extreme conditions over the first two days,” Monaghan said.
“Having to adapt to the conditions with sand storms, high temperatures and large crowds has been a challenge but the team is doing great.
"Amanda has had three near misses for birdies, with Chad rolling in a great birdie on one of the par fives”. Monaghan said.
After day two, the Australians remain close to each other with Johnson on 113 (22nd), Patterson on 114 (23rd), Russo on 117 (24th)
The nine-hole format continues today with medal presentations to follow.
To follow scores and highlights visit www.abudhabi2019.org/