MASTERS DAILY REPORT – Happy Easter from the Drive, Chip and Putt finals in Augusta

Well, today is a special day in the lives of 80 young people from 34 U.S. states and one Canadian province who have earned the right to play in the National Finals of Drive, Chip and Putt. According to the spectator guide, the finalists reached Augusta National following a months-long qualifying season that included hundreds of events nationwide and tens of thousands of participants.

This all began last April at 355 sites throughout the country. No more than three top scorers per venue, in each of the four age categories across separate boys’ and girls’ divisions, advanced to 64 subregional qualifiers in July and August.

The top finisher from each of the 10 regional qualifying sites’ eight age/gender divisions—a total of 80 finalists—earned a place in today’s National Finals.

This 12^th Drive, Chip and Putt National final is conducted in partnership between the Masters Tournament, the  PGA of America and the USGA. It is a nationwide youth golf development program open to boys and girls ages 7 -15 in four age categories.

The three-part competition tests the skills essential to playing the game -driving, chipping and putting.

Here is how it works:

Drive

Each player has two attempts to record his or her longest drive. The player in each age group with the longest drive receives 10 points and it goes down to 1 point

Chip

Each player will chip twice and the cumulative distance from the hole will be recorded. The player with the closest cumulative distance will receive 10 points and so on down the list.

Putt

Each player will attempt a putt from 15 feet and from 30 feet and the cumulative distance from the hole will be recorded. The player with the closest cumulative distance  after two putts will receive 10 points and so on.

Pace of Play Bonus

Players will be awarded with an extra half point for each shot they complete in 40 seconds or less.

So, as I mentioned, there are 80 players, and I have chosen to focus on the three I thought you, the readers, would be most interested in knowing more about. I went out to the competition area and scouted them as they were dressed in colors representing their region of competition. The East Region wore green, and the South Central Region wore orange, so they were not hard to find.

In each case, they were surrounded by family members who were more than eager to talk with me. I even asked each of them and their parents for their autographs to add a little more spice to the meeting.

I can only tell you it was so good to hear each youth and their parents talk about the commitment and passion required to get to the finals. We need more of this in our communities.

In talking with Zoe, she was focused, polite, and articulate. Her plans are to play high school and college golf. She also told me she loved to bake and offered to make me a cake. I politely, but reluctantly, declined. Her parents were so proud, and they shared the sacrifices it took to get Zoe to this level. I will be watching this young lady as she continues her path through golf. She has a presence about her that screams confidence. Her longest drive today was 157.8 yards.

Next was Chloe. She, too, did not lack for confidence, as she demonstrated by her third-place finish. As if that wasn’t enough, she also told Augusta National member, former Secretary of State, and Stanford faculty member, Condoleezza Rice, that she was planning to attend Stanford and play golf. Chutzpah, for sure, which this game—and life—demand from us. It is interesting to note that her dad and uncle were instrumental in introducing her to golf. In fact, her dad told me he would take her out to the driving range when she was two, as he would hit balls. Sound familiar? By the way, her longest drive today was 207 yards.

Last, but not least, was Stephen, who won his overall division. I could not confirm if he was the first African American to win a division title, but it is safe to say he would be one of a select few. He does not lack for confidence either, as his grandmother, Marlene, told me that at the qualifier he told his grandfather, Charles, and I quote, “Papi, I am taking you to the Masters.” Stephen’s longest drive today was 245.4 yards—goodness gracious!

Here are some observations I noticed  or learned about these three players

1. There was an abundance of family present to watch these players in the competition
2. Mom and Dad were clearly present and active in these young players lives
3. Mom and Dad admitted that this was a financial sacrifice
4. They had the support of all the family
5. Intergenerational and multigenerational influence was evident
6. Access to facilities for training was critical
7. They were mannerly and well spoken
8. Common values were evident
9. Each player wants to go further including college
10. Their goals in school and life are identified

Folks ,this was a great and historic day at a great and historic place. Full results on all 80 players can be viewed in a separate article in the magazine. I hope you will agree that these three deserved their own space. Once again my thanks to the sponsors of my time here at Augusta National. Please take a moment and click on their logos below and learn more about each of them. See you tomorrow.

Special Thanks to the sponsors of this report who are supporting the magazine’s efforts in covering the activities at the  Augusta National Golf Course. DECISIVE MEDIA, EBONY GREENS, TOMMY BURNS GOLF CHALLENGE COINS, LLC

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