Following her fantastic win on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the regional of the Drive Chip and Putt Championship in Valhalla golf club in Louisville, KY, 8-year old Lauryn Olivia Leonard of Montgomery, Alabama is headed to Augusta, Georgia to complete in the finals.
“We are very proud of our little daughter; she came through the competition like a real champ,” says her doting father Quincy Leonard, who has been a strong supporter of his daughter and her golf interests.
Lauryn’s scores:
Drive: 7
Chip: 22
Putt: 31
Total: 60
The day of competition, although cooler than usual for the area this time of year, went off as planned at the beautiful Valhalla Golf Club–the last stop for those who sought a winning spot in the Drive, Chip and Putt.
Lauryn’s parents, Quincy & Tish Leonard, Owners of Cupcakes by Tish – Montgomery, AL, loaded up their car in Montgomery, Alabama and drove 7-hours to reach the tournament. “We left on Friday and returned on Sunday,” said Leonard.
The trip was a memorable one and worth every mile. “She is super excited and it was written all over her face when she won. Afterwards, she told her grandmother, “I came here to win, I didn’t do all that hard work for nothing!” Quincy already has planned their travel for the April 3, 2016 finals saying, “We will drive to Augusta early on Saturday, April 2nd.” It’s definitely going to be a highlight road trip for the family and little Lauryn has a long road ahead of her in preparing for the tough competition that awaits.
Following the win, Lauryn’s mom Tish Leonard–and her #1 cheerleader–was ecstatic, because it was her birthday (September 12). She said “The win was the best birthday gift she could’ve gotten!”
Lauryn began playing at the age of 3 at Cottonwood golf course (Montgomery, AL) with her then 5-year old brother and her father. Today, the 42-year old dad also serves as his daughter’s golf coach (Leonard Golf) and readies her for tournaments. Quincy has been playing for almost 20 years and has seen all sides of the youth tournament arena: “Golf tournaments and equipment are very expensive. I believe that is the reason why a lot of young people are not introduced to the game,” he says. “Lauryn’s putting and driving is the strongest part of her game. Her chipping is her weakest.” And together, the father and daughter are working hard on improvements.
Lauryn Olivia Leonard strikes a pose for photographers following her win.
Lauryn’s win gains her the opportunity to participate with nine other lucky junior golfers at Augusta National in April 2016. 72 players in all competed. Players came from all across the country: Alabama, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Virginia. Organizers of the tournament were so proud of all the participants and, were incredibly impressed with their ability and sportsmanship.
Lauryn competed in the Girls 7-9 Division and things got off to a fun, spirited start. Lauryn is still celebrating that she took top honors in Chipping.
Trinity Beth of Calvert City, Kentucky took home the top prize for Driving, followed by Emma Hill of Edwardsville, Illinois and Ava Bunker of New Whiteland, Indiana. Lauryn’s win was followed by Hill and Reese Kite of Columbia, Illinois.
Putting First Place went to Claire Swathwood of Carmel, Indiana, followed by Hill and Kite. Kite finished Third Overall and Hill Finished Second Overall. Lauryn was the Overall Champion.
All of us here at the African American Golfer’s Digest wish her the best of luck at Augusta National! See more on at KYGOLF.ORG
Photo left: Quincy and Lauryn Olivia Leonard)
