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As the excitement builds for the 90th Masters Tournament, Augusta National Golf Club takes a moment to spotlight the next generation of golfing talent this Easter Sunday with the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.
This event, a collaboration between the USGA, the Masters Tournament, and the PGA of America, is a complimentary, nationwide program aimed at developing young golfers. Open to boys and girls aged 7 to 15, it is divided into four age categories. Participants showcase their abilities in three key areas of golf: driving, chipping, and putting.
“It’s like heaven,” expressed Texas Terry from Manor, Texas, the reigning Boys 10-11 National Champion, and one of 12 past competitors making a return this year. “When I picture heaven, I think of this.”
The 12th edition of the National Finals will crown one champion from each age and gender division. A 30-point system will determine the winners: 10 points for the best drive, another 10 for the most accurate cumulative chips, and the final 10 for the closest cumulative putts. The player with the highest total score in each division will be declared the winner.
“The course is beautiful,” said Karis Reid of Carmel, Indiana, the 2024 Girls 12-13 National Champion, as she prepares to compete in the 14-15 age group this year. “It’s thrilling to putt on the 18th green, knowing so many greats have played there. It was an incredible experience, and it’s amazing to say I won at Augusta National.”
The only competitor in the field that will be able to sleep in his own bed this weekend is 2024 Boys 12-13 National Champion Kipp Madison from nearby Evans, Georgia.
“I’m still going to be nervous, it’s still Augusta National,” said Madison, who will compete in the 14-15 age group. “It’s not like this is going to be easy because I’ve won it. This is still going to be difficult. But I do think I have a bit of an edge just knowing how everything is going to react.”
In 2024 Akshay Bhatia became the first former Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalist to earn an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament. Next week will mark his third appearance.
“Growing up as a kid I think everyone kind of says that to themselves and just have that opportunity, you know, that first time at the Drive, Chip & Putt is pretty surreal as a kid,” Bhatia said before his first Masters appearance. “You just don’t realize how lucky we are to have that opportunity.
“And for everyone to be so gracious to let some kids hit some golf balls on the range, hit some putts on the 18th green, it was unreal.”
Golf Channel will provide live coverage beginning at 8 a.m. Eastern on Sunday. For live scoring, click here.
For more information about Drive, Chip and Putt, click here.
Once competition concludes, early arriving Masters participants will begin their preparations at the Tournament Practice Area.
This story will be updated throughout the day.