Drive Chip and Putt

Every year at Augusta National the Masters golf tournament is played. There are a few other events played during Masters week such as the par 3 competition, many practice rounds, and the youth Drive Chip and Putt. Every year kids from all kinds of age groups compete in the long drive, closest chip, and longest putt.  Eight former Masters champions and eight 2015 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals champions all assembled under the iconic oak behind the Augusta National clubhouse on Sunday and it was hard to distinguish who was more excited. Every kid dreams of competing in the event, but you have to be invited to compete and pay a lot of money to compete. “Being here at Augusta National is a big deal,”said Bubba Watson. “I would have tried to compete in this when I was young. This is an honor.”  Both gender groups compete in the event. Morgan Goldstein stood out from the winners in four different age groups, becoming the first competitor to win all three disciplines for a four-point victory in the Girls 12-13 division. “When I stepped up to the first tee I was really nervous, but I calmed down,” said Goldstein, who won the driving portion with a 244-yard drive, chipped in and made a 15-foot putt for the victory. Jay Leng Jr. from Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., who won the 7-9 age group, was almost as impressive in his victory, holing a winning putt in a playoff after finishing tied with Peyton Blackard and Logan Medcalf. “Putting is my strength,” Leng said. “I’m a natural putter.” Effie Perakis from Glenview, Ill., won the Girls 7-9 trophy; Lydia Swan from North East, Pa., the Girls 10-11 division; and Alexandra Swayne from Maineville, Ohio, won a playoff for the Girls 14-15 division title. Jack Peacock from Alpharetta, Ga., won the Boys 10-11 division; George Duangmanee from Fairfax, Va., won a playoff for the Boys 12-13 division title; and Toby Wilson from Bartlett, Tenn., took the Boys 14-15 division crown by a half a point. Every kid watching the Drive Chip and Putt at home wishes they could be competing. This event inspires kids to get out and play.