Golfer Oliver Doherty Welcomes Adversity at 2015 World Games in Los Angeles
“It’s been such a rollercoaster from 2003 to now.”
Oliver Doherty’s life has taken him on an adventure since he participated in the 2003 Special Olympic World Games in Dublin. That year, in his home country of Ireland, Doherty won the gold medal in front of family, friends, and his community on an international stage.
In 2004, Doherty traveled to America for the first time to meet PGA golfer David Duval to participate in a documentary where he played in a promotional golf event with fellow athlete Kevin Erickson from the USA with Duval and his father, Bob Duval. The golf documentary, called A Tee Time Like No Other, aired live on NBC. “Playing with him was unreal,” said Doherty. “I hope I get to do that again some day.”
Then in 2007, tragedy struck Doherty. His mother had passed away months before he left to compete in the World Games in Shanghai. He clinched the silver medal that year with a heavy heart.
Fast forward to 2015, and Doherty claims another roster spot on the Ireland delegation for the Los Angeles games. Doherty was bestowed the honor of carrying the Special Olympics flag during the opening ceremonies with other iconic Olympians Michael Phelps, Michelle Kwon, and Greg Louganis. Although his accolades would measure him in the same category of many of these star Olympians, Doherty still seemed humbled by the experience. “It was a great honor and privilege to carry the flag and [represent Ireland]. I will never forget it because I must have achieved a lot to get picked for it.”
While an accomplished, celebrated athlete and a face of Special Olympics, Doherty did experience some hardships growing up. During his birth, Doherty suffered brain damage from forceps during delivery. As a result, Doherty struggled with motor problems at a young age.
Doherty’s father, Jim, introduced him at seven years old to golf to improve his muscle strength and motor skills. Doherty was a natural golfer, spending all his free time on the course perfecting his game. He quickly became one of the best golfers for his age, winning his local club’s championships consistently.
But at 16 years old, bullies, jealous of Doherty’s innate abilities in golf, ganged up on him and broke his hand. It took Doherty years to rehabilitate and build his golf game back. It was a harsh reminder to Doherty that not everyone was accepting of those who are different.
Luckily, those bullies didn’t persuade Doherty to give up. Unwilling to accept this setback, Doherty reconstructed his game and joined Special Olympics Ireland, which he has competed in since the organization’s inception in 1996. Doherty says Special Olympics has opened doors to some incredible experiences. “It means a lot because when I was growing up I had problems with bullies but it’s gotten me places I never thought I’d be. I never thought I would be in America, and now I have been twice. I never thought I would play with David Duval.“
During this year’s World Games, Doherty finished with the silver medal. Doherty said the Wilson Golf Course at Griffith Park provided some challenges, causing him to tweak his game.
USA golfer Scott Rohrer took home the gold in the competition, shooting a combined 276 during the four rounds of 18-hole play.
Through his almost 20 years as a Special Olympics athlete, Doherty says the level of play amongst golfers has improved dramatically — a welcome change to Doherty, which he says gives him more of a challenge. “The golfers out here in their first World Games, it’s been unbelievable, the standard of golf of these players,” he said. “I’ve always seen myself as a good golfer, but Scott blew me out of the water.”
Doherty finished at Hole 18 on Friday with a smile on his face. After waving to the large team Ireland fan base and spectators congregating around the final hole, he congratulated Rohrer.
