After a few days of exciting golf competition in the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games, the finals begin Wednesday morning.

The course was bustling with volunteers very early on Wednesday, as they prepared for the final day of golf competition for levels I, III, and V, while level II and IV competitors were scheduled to play at the Mahoney Golf Course.

But what does it take to prepare a venue like the Highlands Golf Course for an event that big? Media Press Chief Rhonda Bills says a lot of manpower and preparation.

"We've been meeting twice a month since the first of the year, just to make sure that all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed," said Bills.

She says it took a huge group of volunteers to pull off the golf tournaments held at Highlands, and like Sam Sharp, the volunteer venue director, many hold the games close to their hearts.

"I had a niece that was in the Special Olympics that passed away many years ago, and so I thought it was a good time to share some time with those Special Olympics athletes," Sharp said.

But the golfers aren't there just for fun. PGA Pro at Highlands Golf Course Dennis Vontz says he's been very impressed with the athletes' level of competition.

"They're phenomenal athletes. Scott Rohrer from South Carolina shot an Olympic record of 71, broke the old record by two shots. A great athlete, he's a great ball striker, I watched him on the range and he's just a phenomenal athlete," Vontz said.

Vontz says the Special Olympics golf event is by far the largest event ever held at Highlands, and volunteers say it's worth all the hard work to make the competition a memorable one for the athletes.

"It's all based on giving the Special Olympics athletes a great opportunity to live the experience here in Lincoln, Nebraska, the joy of the sport, and the joy of meeting new friends and knowing that they're part of our daily life," said Sharp.

Unless rain delays the golf competition, awards ceremonies will take place on Wednesday afternoon, immediately following the final round.