PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- With the combined support of The PGA of America, USGA and PGA TOUR, the sixth annual Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament travels for the first time to the Mid-West and will be staged at the Ames Golf & Country Club and Coldwater Golf Links in Ames, Iowa, Sept. 16-19, 2005. More than 200 Special Olympics golfers from 28 states will compete in one of five levels of competition.

Special Olympics golf, part of a worldwide sports program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offers five levels of play for athletes with different golf abilities. Level I consist of an individual skills contest where six golf skills are tested. Level II is Unified Sports® alternate shot team play where a Special Olympics athlete is paired with a non-Special Olympics athlete of more advanced skill for a 9-hole competition. Level III is Unified Sports® team play pairing Special Olympics and non-Special Olympics players of similar ability for an 18-hole competition. Levels IV and V are individual stroke play 9-hole and 18-hole competitions, respectively. Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies will be held Sept. 16 with three competitive rounds played Sept. 17-19. Awards will be presented immediately following the final round.

"This tournament promises excellent competition and surprises that are sure to change attitudes," shares Jim Schmutz, Managing Director for Special Olympics North America. "In past years we’ve seen holes-in one, scores of 76, as well as siblings both with and without intellectual disabilities uniting as a team for competition. This National Golf Tournament could not be possible without the generous support of The PGA of America, USGA and PGA TOUR. We hope their continued support will open doors for more athletes to learn and enjoy the sport of golf."

The PGA of America and USGA return for the sixth consecutive year as presenting sponsors and are joined in 2005 by the PGA TOUR in this sponsorship designation. Also, Nicklaus Golf, The Top-Flite Golf Company, V1 Swing Analysis, the Greg Norman Collection, The Perfect Club, Event Partners, Blistex and Ocean Potion are lending support to the event. Bayer Environmental Science and Brokers International LTD are Special Olympics North America sponsors for the tournament as well.

"We are proud to partner with the USGA and PGA TOUR in presenting this year’s Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament,” said PGA of America President Roger Warren. “Since 1988, The PGA of America and PGA Professionals from around the country have been strong advocates for Special Olympics golf. The rewards have been far-reaching – from the worldwide growth of the program to the personal interaction our members share with enthusiastic golfers who train hard, enjoy their good shots and embody the spirit of the game. This tournament is a culmination of their dedicated training and we anticipate yet another exciting three days of competition.”

“We are glad to be working again with The PGA of America and welcome the PGA TOUR this year, as we combine our efforts for a successful and challenging tournament,” said USGA President Fred Ridley. “Since 1991, the USGA Grants Program has focused on making golf available to all segments of our population, including golfers with disabilities. It is extremely gratifying to support Special Olympics golf not only because it promotes golf to those with intellectual disabilities, but also because it brings families closer together in the process.”

“Giving back is fundamental to the structure of the PGA TOUR and our tournaments, as reflected by the nearly $1 billion that has been raised for charity over the years,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “We take great pride in our history of supporting worthy causes and initiatives that have benefited countless lives. Special Olympics truly is an exemplary organization in this regard, and the TOUR is very pleased to join the USGA and PGA of America in support of this year’s National Invitational Tournament. We look forward to exploring ways to expand our involvement in the future.”