The newly constructed miniature golf course at Dan Nicholas Park hosted its first big event Saturday: the 24th annual statewide Putt Putt Tournament for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Fifty-eight putters from a dozen counties took advantage of the sunny, warm day to show off their skills on the new course, which replaces an old one and is more accessible for people with disabilities. Each shot two rounds, or 36 holes of golf.
Gerald Eller of Caldwell County won first place in the division for legally blind golfers with a score of 79. Douglas Howard of Catawba County placed second with a score of 82 and Daisy Litman of Catawba County came in third with a score of 84.
In the legally blind division, Rowan County’s Vance Eller had the most holes-in-one with three.
In the division for totally blind players, Jessie Smith of Avery County shot 105 and took first place after winning a tiebreaker with Alice Kelly of Wake County, who also shot 105. Dwight Woodie of Avery County was third with a score of 106. Kelly also had the most holes-in-one with three.
Yancy County’s team placed first with an average score of 106 and Caldwell County’s team placed second with a 107 average.
The Rowan County Parks and Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation Division, Dan Nicholas Park and Salisbury Parks and Recreation co-hosted the event.