The Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals continue to be a major draw for young golfers. Many are already looking forward to the opportunity to compete in future events.
Augusta Beckons Again
Eighty participants will convene at Augusta National Golf Club to compete in four age divisions. The event will be televised on Golf Channel.
Since the inaugural event in 2014, over 850 boys and girls aged 7 to 15 have progressed to the National Finals. This year’s field includes golfers from 34 states and the Canadian province of Ontario. They advanced through three qualifying stages, concluding at 10 regional sites.
Kipp Madison of Augusta, Ga., a returning competitor, said he is “just excited to go down Magnolia Lane again.”
Champions Return, Newcomers Dream
This year sees 12 returning competitors, twice as many as last year. Among them are past Drive, Chip and Putt National Champions, including Texas Terry of Manor, Texas; Karis Reid of Carmel, Ind.; and Dawson Dial of Cedar Park, Texas.
Dial, who won Boys 10-11 in 2025 and is competing in Boys 12-13 this year, said: “It’s great just to know that I’m going to have that experience again and have a great time no matter what happens.”
Hallie Fisch of Suamico, Wis., (Girls 12-13) reached the National Finals on her fourth attempt, winning the Whistling Straits Regional by 17 points. She said: “I didn’t believe it at first. There were so many good girls and I’m the one that gets to go. It means a lot. I really wanted to go to Augusta. I don’t like being in front of the cameras, but I’m going to be excited to go. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Years of Dedication Rewarded
Shepherd Cedar Choi of Westminster, Colo., (Girls 10-11) also made it to the National Finals after four attempts. She won the Hazeltine National Golf Club Regional to advance after twice finishing second.
“I had gotten second place the past two years in the regional qualifiers,” Choi said. “It caused so many tears, but to finally make it this year is my greatest moment.”
Ziqing Wang of San Jose, Calif., (Girls 14-15), a Drive, Chip and Putt participant since age 9, also achieved her goal of qualifying for Augusta National.
A Nationwide Initiative
- Drive, Chip and Putt is a joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, USGA and PGA of America.
- It’s a free nationwide junior golf development program.
- The program focuses on three fundamental skills in golf.
Local qualifying for the 12th Drive, Chip and Putt is already underway.