VIDEO: Regina golfer hits hole-in-one to win gold at Special Olympics

It’s the kind of moment all golfers, from weekend duffers to PGA pros, dream of: hitting a hole-in-one with a tournament on the line.

The dream became a reality for 33-year-old Taylor Carter from Regina on Friday. He not only hit an ace, he did so on the biggest stage possible for his level of competition.

Read more:

• ‘Unfinished business’: Saskatoon Berries ascend from expansion club to WCBL champions
• ‘Most incredible experience’: Athletes compete at Special Olympics in Alberta
• Team Sask. represents at Special Olympics Summer Games in Medicine Hat

Carter’s hole-in-one came on the 135-yard 16th hole at Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club on Friday as part of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta.

“When I lined up, I felt really confident in my line and I went for it. And after I hit it, I didn’t know what had happened yet,” Carter said in an interview.

It was his brother Tyler who shared the good news.

“He said, ‘Hole in one!’ and everyone started freaking out. And then I didn’t know what to do or say. It was such an adrenaline rush. I couldn’t believe it actually happened,” Carter said.

The ace helped Taylor claim the gold medal in his division at the Games as he finished the competition with a two-stroke lead.

“My family was also there to watch the hole in one and came to watch the ceremony and watch me take home a gold medal. So that was really, really awesome,” Carter said.

Taylor Carter shows off the gold medal he won at the Special Olympics Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta., on Friday. (Kyra-Lee Carter/Submitted)

“Taylor Carter is one amazing human, and so if anybody’s deserving of this kind of attention, it is him. He’s always building other people up and showing how much he cares for other people,” said Taylor’s sister-in-law, Kyra-Lee Carter.

While Taylor is receiving a lot of attention for his shot, his sister-in-law’s shot is almost as impressive. She is the one who filmed the hole-in-one, showing remarkable composure and timing in the video that has now gone somewhat viral.

“I really feel like I just kind of got lucky,” Kyra-Lee said.

“I was just wandering around, waiting for Taylor to get set up, and then I just happened to be in a spot where I’m like, ‘Oh, I think this is a really good angle. I just look like a good, I’d be able to get like a good picture of him swinging, and then it turned into the most exciting video I think I’ve ever taken.’”

The video of this singular moment has created quite an impression, but Kyra-Lee believes the spirit of the footage can be found throughout these competitions, especially when it came to the celebration after the shot with Taylor’s friend and competitor, Jason.

“I think it really wound up capturing the whole essence of what Special Olympics is all about. Seeing another competitor jump in who happened to be a friend of his and celebrate with him, I think that was probably one of the most special parts of the video,” Kyra-Lee said.

That celebration with his friend Jason also resulted in an accidental tackle, as both fell hard to the ground.

Taylor accidentally tackled his friend and competitor Jason in the celebration. (Kyra-Lee Carter/Submitted)

“I wasn’t really trying to tackle him. I was trying to do that thing NFL players do when they celebrate, like a chest bump. But it turned out to be a little wrestling match,” Carter said.

Special Olympics is a family affair for the Carters. Kyra-Lee’s son — Taylor’s nephew — Ashton serves as Taylor’s caddy, and her husband Tyler is the head coach of the Saskatchewan Special Olympics golf team.

Taylor (middle) celebrated with his nephew and caddy, Ashton (left) and brother and coach, Tyler (right). (Kyra-Lee Carter/Submitted)

“Not only are we cheering for Taylor, but we’re also, you know, having this great opportunity to watch our family also participate in all of this, and it’s very special,” Kyra-Lee said.

“It’s just a beautiful thing to watch and you kind of feel like you’re a part of it.”