Topgolf Will Become Global Medaled Event in Special Olympics
Beginning in 2024, Special Olympics athletes can compete in Topgolf as an individual or as an
officially sanctioned team
DALLAS, April 19, 2023 – Topgolf is beyond excited to share that beginning in 2024, Topgolf will
be an officially sanctioned event with Special Olympics, the first time a brand has become a
medaled event. That means Special Olympics athletes will be able to compete in Topgolf as an
individual or with a team through Special Olympics Unified Sports®, which joins people with and
without intellectual disabilities on the same team for training and competition. Modern golf
entertainment leader Topgolf is committed to making the game of golf more diverse, inclusive
and fun, and with off-course golf participation at an all-time high, the partnership with Special
Olympics was an easy “yes!” for Topgolf.
“We have a responsibility now more than ever to invite everyone into the game of golf, and our
partnership with Special Olympics will help us further unleash the power of play and bring more
joy to more people,” said Topgolf Chief Brand Officer Geoff Cottrill.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the local organizing committee for any Special Olympics event held
across the U.S. or around the globe will have the option to include Topgolf as a global medaled
event, potentially including the Special Olympics USA Games and World Games.
“I’ve been at Topgolf for 14 years, and this partnership will go down as one of the things I’m
most proud of,” said Topgolf’s Director of Charitable Initiatives Tiffany Brush. “Topgolf is
changing the traditional definition of ‘golfer,’ and to see Special Olympics athletes so
enthusiastic about Topgolf is a clear example of how we’re making the game more inclusive and
open for all.”
In fact, Topgolf’s very own Playmakers (aka Associates) may even be competing in upcoming
Special Olympics events, as the company currently has 18 Playmakers who are also Special
Olympics athletes.
Before the Games Begin
Topgolf isn’t waiting until the next National or World Games to kick off the partnership, though.
Beginning in May 2023, Topgolf will offer free practice sessions and exhibitions to Special
Olympics athletes and Unified Sports® participants.
Beginning Sept. 15, 2023, Players who visit a Topgolf venue throughout the U.S. and the U.K.
will have the opportunity to donate to Special Olympics as part of Topgolf’s “Season of Giving,”
lasting until Oct. 31, 2023. Each venue aims to raise $10,000, with an overall goal of more than
$500,000. On top of that, Topgolf locations in the U.S. and U.K. will hold “Days of Giving” on
Oct. 26 and 27 as Special Olympics athletes visit Topgolf venues to support Playmakers and
interact with Players.
In 2024, Topgolf will host the first Unified Fore Joy fundraising tournament at five U.S. venues,
bringing together Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners, professional golfers, celebrities
and supporters. Topgolf is underwriting the tournament, which will raise a minimum of
$500,000.
“A partnership with Topgolf will help Special Olympics demonstrate to the world how inclusive
sport training and competition is a catalyst for inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities,”
said Lou Lauria, Chief of Sport and Competition at Special Olympics. “Special Olympics and
Topgolf are completely aligned on the belief in the unlimited power of sport. What starts on the
playing field extends into classrooms, workplaces and communities.”
About Topgolf
Topgolf is the ultimate instigator of play. Thanks to our 80+ venues around the globe, industry-
leading Toptracer technology, mobile games and app, we're leading the charge of modern golf
wherever our Players are. We offer a variety of tech-driven games, a top-tier food and drink
menu, and a vibe focused on more play for all. Topgolf brands are on a mission to enable
Players to hit 50 billion golf balls between 2022 and 2025. To learn more or make plans to come
play around, visit topgolf.com.
About Topgolf Callaway Brands
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) is an unrivaled tech-enabled Modern Golf and
active lifestyle company delivering leading golf equipment, apparel and entertainment, with a
portfolio of global brands including Topgolf, Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey,
OGIO, Jack Wolfskin and World Golf Tour (“WGT”). “Modern Golf” is the dynamic and inclusive
ecosystem that includes both on-course and off-course golf. Learn more at
topgolfcallawaybrands.com.
About Special Olympics
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people
with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and
programming in education, health and leadership. Special Olympics delivers more than 30
Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on:
Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedInand our blog on Medium. Learn more at
www.SpecialOlympics.org.
