Boys and girls age 7-15 will get the opportunity to compete at Augusta National Golf Club next year as part of a national Drive, Chip and Putt Championship that will be held for the first time this year.
The competition is part of an initiative by the Masters Tournament Foundation, the PGA of America and the USGA to promote interest and participation in the game of golf.
Participants in the competition, which will not have an entry fee, will advance through local and regional qualifiers throughout the U.S. The regional champions in each of four age categories for boys and girls will advance to the finals at Augusta National on the Sunday before the 2014 Masters.
The driving and chipping aspects of the competition will be conducted on Augusta National’s practice facility, with the putting portion on the 18th green. The finals will be broadcast on the Golf Channel.
“We all share the belief that if we can make golf fun, kids will come,” Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne said. “We couldn’t help but think, historically, how many of the great golfers of the world have visualized making the winning putt on the 18th green to secure the Masters title.
“If we can duplicate that, share it with these kids, it would be both thrilling for them and amazing to watch.”
Ted Bishop, President of the PGA of America, said the goal is “to make these events memorable and certainly a lasting experience for all of the kids that participate. Through the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, our next generation of players is really going to have an extraordinary opportunity to realize the dream of countless golfers worldwide.”
PGA professionals and USGA staff members will conduct the competitions throughout the country, with the entry deadline April 30.
Local qualifiers will take place between June 1 and July 31 at 110 sites in 19 states and Washington, D.C. The top two boys and girls in each age group will advance to regional qualifying, which will be held in August at courses in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas (2), Virginia and Washington.
Regional champions will advance to the finals in Augusta next year. A total of 88 boys and girls will qualify for the finals. Patrons will be able to attend the finals via a ticket lottery system.
“We want the public to cheer these kids on, so we will open our gates that Sunday to allow several thousand ticketed Patrons to enjoy what will surely be a very impressive display of skills from our youthful competitors,” Payne said.
For information, please visit www.DriveChipandPutt.com
