GolfNewsRI

If you have been to Kings Crossing anytime over the last three years or so, you have probably met Chris Lussier. 

What you wouldn’t know, is that Lussier is a Special Olympics superstar, and on Monday he will take on Foster Country Club in hopes of qualifying for the Rhode Island Amateur. 

One of the few challenges that he has yet to overcome. 

“It would really show that my game has improved from Special Olympics to now. If I qualify, it would prove to fellow special Olympians that if you reach high enough anything is possible,” said Lussier. 

Overcoming Challenges 

This latest challenge, making it to the RI Amateur is nothing compared to what Lussier has already overcome and continues to overcome in his life. 

Lussier was born with Asperger’s Syndrome, a condition on the autism spectrum, with generally higher functioning.

“People with this condition may be socially awkward and have an all-absorbing interest in specific topics,” writes Mayo Clinic. 

Lussier was born both deaf and non-verbal (meaning he didn’t speak), and had to have a number of medical procedures as a child. 

“When he was younger, you couldn’t have this conversation. He couldn’t look at you, he was always looking to the side. He would come home from school upset because they wouldn’t pass him the ball, a lot of little things,” said Alan Lussier, Chris’ father. 

Then the game of golf came along. 

Lussier learned the game of golf from his father at a young age. 

“It’s a nice father-son activity, he thought it would help me along and we have been playing ever since. We love it. It is a sport that we find common ground with,” said Lussier. 

Alan also works at Kings Crossing part time as a groundskeeper. 

Special Olympics  Superstar

Chris started in Special Olympics while attending Cranston West High School in 2007-2008. At that point, he was named captain of the Special Olympics team. 

“Once he started special olympics, that brought out a whole new world for him. He just got more and more into it. He got placed in the Trudeau Center, with like a team, and he would do their sports. With golf, there is not really a team thing, it is just whoever wants to play. They would practice and start at Button Hole. He got really good, really quick,” said Alan. 

Chris and Alan were partners at Special Olympics. They played alternate shot at Button Hole in their first season before being moved up to the Sunday afternoon program.

“It was something we could do, and he loved it. It was good exercise for him, kept him moving. It helped him out immensely,” said Alan.

After that, it was time to hit the road.

With his dad as coach and caddie, Lussier won a gold meal at the USA Games in Nebraska, and then went to the World Games the following year in Greece.

He won the Gold Medal by a whopping 20 shots.

The Lussiers would end their world travel by stopping in Seattle for a tournament where Chris would finish second.

Following their world travel, Lussier attended CCRI, where head coach Brian Deighan gave him shot in the four spot.

Lussier helped CCRI get to nationals where he posted a 96 on day one, and an 86 on day two.

Deighan passed away in 2014.

From Nebraska to Greece to Seattle and now to Foster Country Club for RI Amateur qualifying.

Lussier vs Foster CC

As is the case every year, there are three locations for players to attempt to qualify for the Amateur. 

This year, the qualifying was held at Swansea, Foster and Crystal Lake. 

Lussier picked Foster. 

“I’m not a powerful hitter by amateur status, chipping and putting has been the best. Foster is kind of the shortest distance as far as yardage goes from the blue tees. I can score very well there,” said Lussier. 

Foster measures 6,200 yards from the back tees, and consists of some quirky holes and hills that players will have to deal with. 

“One nine weaves its way through Rhode Island farm country while the other runs through the rugged elevation changes of the ledges. The result is a picturesque and interesting layout,” writes Foster on their website. 

Other than his putter, the best club in Chris’ bag is his three wood. 

“Three wood off the deck, from the fairway is his savior club. He has always been a good putter,” said Alan. 

Lussier tees off at 10:21 a.m. with Swansea’s Kevin Carrozza and Button Hole’s Peter Brousseau.

Alan will be caddying.