Rain could not stop the 2025 Middle Tennessee Golf Open at Old Fort Golf Course from being a morning of exciting competition, marking the beginning of the golf season. The energy was high as athletes and Unified partners hit an array of impressive shots and putts throughout the morning.
One pairing, Reegan Sabo and Tanner Bryant of Maury County, competed together and had a strong showing in the open. Bryant is the Behavioral Wellness Coordinator at the King’s Daughters School, where he serves students with special needs from across the country. Sabo, a Houston native and student at King’s Daughters School, met Bryant when he was the principal at the time. The two formed a strong relationship that they both deeply value. Sabo said she goes to Bryant to talk about how she's feeling in her mind and heart. She added with a smile that he's the kind of teammate she needs in her life.
The duo has found golf to be a place where they can work together as a team and compete in something they both enjoy. Sabo's love for golf began in elementary school and grew as she competed in Special Olympics in Texas during high school. She even said that she taught her parents how to play golf, which eventually became a favorite activity for her family.
Bryant has been involved with Special Olympics for about 18 years, sharing he has been on multiple national teams with their program. He’s had a variety of partners over the years, but when he met Sabo, who was passionate about golf and showed up at a time when he didn’t have a partner, the rest became history. They’ve now been playing together for about a year.
“It’s amazing. Special Olympics, in every way, is the best thing I’ve ever been a part of," said Bryant on his Unified partner experience. "It’s just a great experience every time—especially golfing because I love being outside and it gives us time together. The three national events I’ve been to have been some of the best experiences of my life.”
Bryant credited Sabo for being an amazing golfer as well.
“It’s so much fun," said Sabo. "We just talk trash to each other and have a great time. I love it. This is my last year playing golf with him because I have to leave the program, and I know I’m going to cry. It’s a miracle that I found a teammate who loves me so much. I’ve never had a guy friend who’s made me this happy.”
As for a highlight from the day, Bryant highlighted a remarkable 150-yard shot over water that Sabo hit perfectly down the middle, calling it simply amazing.
Going forward, they mentioned their goal is to qualify for nationals, with several other tournaments on the horizon.
“We’re just working to get better every time we play," said Bryant. "The main thing is, Reegan can handle it really well. She’s awesome out here and enjoys it. So, we’re just working on being the best we can.”
Although their time together on the greens may be coming to an end, golf brought them together, and the friendship and memories they’ve made along the way will live on.
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