A golfer from Saskatchewan achieved his first hole-in-one while securing a victory at the National Special Olympics.
Taylor Carter, a resident of Regina, became part of the Special Olympics team in 2013, though he has been playing golf since he was just four years old. He expressed that the experience, which took place at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club on Friday, will remain etched in his memory forever.
“It still feels unreal. I look out and think that I didn’t actually do it, but every time I watch the video, it stirs up emotions,” Carter remarked.
“I feel like crying every time I see it.”
Ashton Carter, Taylor’s nephew, served as his caddy.
Ashton Carter, right, began caddying for Taylor Carter, left, two years ago, progressing from regionals to provincials and finally to nationals this past weekend. (Submitted by Tyler Carter)
As the competition approached its conclusion, they arrived at the 135-yard 16th hole. They opted for a nine-iron, and Taylor took his shot.
“I watched the shot and instantly knew it was good,” Ashton stated.
Taylor’s brother was positioned near the hole and was the first to announce the achievement.
“I heard my brother shout ‘hole-in-one’ and my family went wild,” Taylor shared.
Kyra-Lee Carter, Taylor’s sister-in-law, was present to record the moment on video.
Regina’s Taylor Carter made an unforgettable shot with a hole-in-one at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta.
The footage captures a heartfelt embrace between Taylor and his best friend Jason, who had also come to Medicine Hat to support him.
“We competed together in Berlin, Germany,” Taylor recalled. “Having my best friend there made it really special.”
Taylor’s mother, Charlene, expressed her disbelief, emphasizing how much it meant to her.
“To achieve that at a national event is a fantastic time for a hole-in-one,” she remarked.
‘I couldn’t believe it, none of us could,’ said Charlene Carter, Taylor Carter’s mom. (Andrea Vera/CBC)
Later, he noticed a notification on his phone indicating a spike in his heart rate, suggesting a possible medical emergency.
“I didn’t realize that until much later,” Carter admitted. “I can’t believe that even happened.”
Taylor still needed to complete the round. Both he and his nephew focused on managing their excitement to finish the competition successfully.
“We were both full of adrenaline and needed to calm down and regroup,” Taylor explained. “Fortunately, I managed to do that. I wasn’t really expecting to, but it turned out well.”
Carter concluded the three-day tournament with a total score of 162 over the three rounds, earning the gold medal in his division by a two-stroke margin.
Taylor Carter celebrates after achieving his first hole-in-one at the National Special Olympics event. (Submitted by Tyler Carter)
Ashton described the experience as truly incredible.
“Watching all the athletes compete, their confidence, and simply being themselves really boosts your own confidence,” he noted.
“If I have another chance to caddy for my uncle, I would love to.”
Taylor wears his medal with pride and expresses gratitude to everyone who has supported him along the way.
“I may be going to another competition, but I’m not completely sure yet,” he stated.
“For now, I plan to practice and celebrate with my family and friends, as that’s important.”
Regina’s Taylor Carter shares how his family “started going bananas” when he achieved a hole-in-one on the 16th hole at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta.