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MJ Mc Colgan has recently announced his retirement from golf, with his final event taking place in September. The 27-year-old San Ramon Valley High School alumni has accomplished much in his career, which includes winning three National Special Olympic Golf Championships and nine straight Northern California State Championships, as well as being inducted into two Hall Of Fames (2004 San Francisco and 2006 Michigan, where he was born).
Mc Colgan was born with a walking disability and like former professional golfer Casey Martin, he competed with the use of a golf cart. His final competitive event will be Sept. 20 at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento.
His career has taken him to two World Games, one in Ireland in 2002 and the other in China in 2007. Most recently, he was honored with a nomination for the 2010 California Hall of Fame and the 2011 San Ramon Valley High School Hall of Fame.
During one of these induction ceremonies, his mom noted what she most treasured about her son’s accomplishments.
“Our house is filled with gold medals, but what is most important is that MJ was taught to focus on his abilities and not his disability,” she said.
In addition to competing, he has also helped inspire those around him. He’s helped raise millions of dollars as a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics, speaking to businesses and organizations about winning and overcoming adversity. He will continue this work as well as his involvement in various Pro-Am Charity Golf tournaments. In addition, he has co-authored five golf books with his dad, Mike Mc Colgan.
By Emily West
Young Mike McColgan has been an inspiration to all who meet and talk with him. I have followed his career with a great deal of interest and his story is a remarkable testament to his parents,their love and guidence as well as MJ`s resolve and determination to succeed. He will be a great Ambassador to champion the underpriviledged and the handicapped alike. Continued success in your new carreer MJ !