1998 Master’s winner Mark O’Meara presents Matthew Vital with Drive, Chip &Putt Winning Trophy
April 7, 2019 | BY AAGD STAFF
Congratulations to Matthew Vital for winning the Boys 12-13 year old division of the National Drive, Chip & Putt!
Matthew finished third in driving, first in chipping, and third in putting to give him the overall championship.
As 13-year old Vital stood among his 10 competitors following his win, he didn’t flinch. Strong, courageous and confident the youngster stood tall, keenly aware of his well-earned success. The young eighth-grader at Lehigh Valley Academy soaked in the excitement of his accomplishment at this sixth annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals held on Sunday that culminates yet another one of his many achievements.
As Vital received his gleaming trophy, presented by 1998 Masters winner Mark O’Meara who said to spectators, “I told them, I didn’t even start playing golf ’til I was 13, so they’re way ahead of me.”
For the win….#DriveChipandPutt pic.twitter.com/GRR3BFDkiQ
— Drive, Chip & Putt (@DriveChipPutt) April 7, 2019
The Vital family arrived into Newark International Airport (NJ) from their home in Bethlehem, Penn., on Friday. The journey was one of high anticipation for the close-knit kin. The morning of competition, “He had his favorite breakfast of scrambled eggs with cheese wheat toast, bacon and a glass of orange juice, prior to an 8:45 am tee off,” said his father Gus who introduced Matthew and his twin brother Michael to golf when they were 2-years-old.
Loud cheers from the crowd but none louder than that from Matthew's biggest fan.#DriveChipandPutt pic.twitter.com/PpbYpNg7XL
— Drive, Chip & Putt (@DriveChipPutt) April 7, 2019
The victorious championship winner Matthew said, “Thank you to my twin brother Michael for helping me prepare for this national championship. Golf has taken me and my family to many great places like Augusta National and I wish to thank everyone for their support.” The victory was the launch of a celebration both at Augusta National and at Northampton Country Club, where the family are members. Matthew hopes to continue to inspire other young African Americans to the game and following this momentous weekend, he has a few Hurricane Junior Golf Tour and American Junior Golf Association events lined-up for spring. “But I have school this week and homework to continue my distinguished honor roll,” he says.
Drive, Chip & Putt Final Champion Matthew Vital gets a giant hug from his No. 1 fan, father Gus Vital. (photo Drive, Chip & Putt Twitter feed)
Matthew was among 80 boys and girls had gained access to this exciting tournament, where their skills would be tested on one of golf’s grandest stages. As parents and fans watched, surely nerves were all on edge for everyone who graced these prestigious greens of Northhampton Country Club, Easton, Pennsylvania.
Emotions soar between father and son as Matthew chipped in his win!
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The Sunday morning competition started with an early morning splattering of rain, but clouds soon dispensed and a beautiful blue spring sky appeared. Each year the young competitors, ranging in age from 7 to 15, play at Augusta National in front of an audience of admiring fans, doting parents and a who’s who list of Masters members as well as past Masters champions. This year, on hand for the tournament were past Green Jacket winners Bubba Watson, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Nick Faldo, Mark O’Meara, Bernhard Langer, Mike Weir and defending champion Patrick Reed. Quite a line-up for the youngsters to witness.
Matthew Vital (3rd from right) stands with Drive, Chip & Putt Finals Champions of 2019.
“Who knows? Maybe one day one of these kids will be wearing a Green Jacket and hand out trophies,” O’Meara said. And yes, O’Meara, perhaps that kid may well be Matthew Vital.
Here are some links to the footage in case you missed it:
