D'Hondt shoots back into Provincials
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A talented multi-sport athlete, Courtland golfer AnnMarie D'Hondt will be representing Special Olympics - Tillsonburg and the South West District at the Peel 2017 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games, July 13-16.
The golf venue is in Caledon, 45 minutes from downtown Toronto, at the Caledon Country Club, on July 14-15 (www.golfcaledon.com/public-golf/). Other Provincial venues are in Brampton (athletics, bocce) and Mississauga (soccer, softball).
D'Hondt started playing golf when she was seven years old.
"It's been a long time," said 26-year-old D'Hondt. "I golf every Friday and every Sunday. We go to different golf courses, me and my brother Darryl. My brother's the one that got me golfing. He does not compete, some of his friends golf and he does it for fun. So that's how I got into golfing."
It will be D'Hondt's second trip to the Ontario Provincials. In 2013 she was just two shots behind the winner who qualified for nationals, finishing second in her division.
"My brother wants me to come in first this year. That's his goal, to try to get me to move on from Provincials. It would be nice," she smiled.
"My brother is going with me, he's my caddy. I asked my brother when I found out I made it... I asked him nicely. My mom and my dad - my whole family is supportive."
Her nine-hole golf scores average between 30-40, depending on the course.
"And I don't shoot from the 'reds', I shoot from the men's tees."
D'Hondt also plays softball in the summer and basketball in the winter and has no preference between team or individual sports.
"I enjoy both. You can go 'for fun' in basketball... it doesn't matter if you win or lose, you're there to have fun."
Golf is more competitive, she said, but still fun.
"I cheer for the other person. I'm the kind of person to say 'nice shot.' It's more fun like that."
D'Hondt does not have a short or long-game specialty. She is equally skilled on the green, fairway or tees.
"It depends on the golf course. It also depends on the wind. You just play your game that you're used to playing."
She does not have a favourite course in the area, but the Otterville course is high on her list.
"Right now I go to any golf course, anywhere," she said, noting she has played as far away as Prince Edward Island. "At Prince Edward Island, me and my brother turned around and hit a golf ball out into the ocean. That was fun."
In the off season, she continues to work on her game.
"My brother takes me to the driving range and a simulator golf course in Brantford - you actually hit a screen for practice."
Adopt an Athlete
Peel 2017
Ann Marie D'Hondt
Tillsonburg
http://www1.specialolympicsontario.com/athletes/annmarie-dhondt/
What do you hope to accomplish while attending the Provincial Games?
I hope to do my best and place well.
Describe your most memorable sports accomplishment with Special Olympics.
Going to Provincial Games.
What hobbies or activities do you do?
Painting.
Who is your hero and why?
My brother, because he's always there for me and teaches me things.
What would you like to say to your sponsors to show your appreciation?
I really appreciate the second chance to compete.