Palmer golfer earns gold

PALMER — Garrett Stortz has always possessed a passion for sports and a drive to be involved.

Stortz, a 2009 graduate of Palmer High School, was a member of the PHS hockey program and the Moose mascot during football games while in high school. Stortz has been active with Special Olympics Alaska for several years. He has also been a regular at Palmer Golf Course since he was about 16 years old, working in various capacities around the course while also developing his golf game. Earlier this summer, Stortz, 23, combined his work with Special Olympics Alaska and passion for golf and earned a gold medal during the Special Olympics 2014 USA Games. Stortz shot a three-day total of 283 at Mercer Oaks in Windsor Township, N.J., to win his division and the gold medal.

“It’s probably one of my (best) experiences of my life,” Stortz said recently. “It’s always been a goal for me to compete at a higher level.”

Stortz edged his runner-up by one stroke to win gold, and shot his tournament-low, an 88, on the second day of the event.

“It was awesome,” Stortz said. “It was nothing like I’d played before. Obviously if you come to Palmer and Settlers, it’s Alaska golf. Playing down there was a complete adjustment. The greens were a lot faster, it was a lot hotter.”

Stortz said the heat, in particular, was a hurdle, especially on the first day. The event included competition on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. When he hit the course Monday, Stortz said, it was his first time playing the course.

“It was a little bit intimidating. I wasn’t used to not knowing any of the holes,” Stortz said.

Stortz said he took it one shot of a time, and had to make sure he was drinking enough water.

“I was not used to playing golf in 93 degree weather,” Stortz said. “I don’t like playing in the heat as much, but it was fun at the same time.”

Stortz made adjustments between the first and second days. The first day he shot a 101. The second day he cut more than a dozen strokes off his score and shot an 88. Stortz became more familiar with the course, but also credited the people at Palmer Golf Course who have helped him with his game through the years. Joe Butler, the local professional at Palmer Golf Course, in particular, has helped Stortz with his game.

“It’s awesome to get advice from the local pro here. He’s pretty spot-on,” Stortz said. “Everyone gives me tips here and there.”

Stortz said he’s been active with Special Olympics Alaska for about five years, focusing on golf through the spring, summer and fall, and floor hockey during the winter.

“It’s good for me, meeting a lot of new people, helping a lot of people,” Stortz said.

Stortz said with a range of skill levels among the participants, he enjoys helping other players as well.

George Collum, PGC Director of Golf, said Stortz first arrived at the course as part of a vocational program as a volunteer. After his first year as a volunteer, Collum said they added him to the staff. When Stortz turned 21 he was promoted to the maintenance crew.

“He is very nice,” Collum said of Stortz. “He is very curious. He asks a lot of questions. He loves to ask questions. He loves sports. That’s his passion. Hockey and golf, those are his two passions. That’s what he’s really into.”

Collum said Stortz has also been able to develop his game.

“He’s a good little player, pretty efficient golfer,” Collum said. “He’s got a pretty good short game, putts pretty well.”

Stortz said he hopes to continue to have opportunities in tournament play. He’ll participate in the Special Olympics Alaska at Anchorage Golf Course in September. Stortz said he’d also like to compete in the Special Olympics 2015 World Games in California.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.