When Master’s week kicks off on April 3, the golf course will be in pristine condition to welcome the world’s finest professional golfers. However, on April 2, the world’s finest junior golfers will be showcased on these same links, as they compete in the finals of the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship. Many of you may have heard of this competition, but do you really understand what it’s all about?
The Drive, Chip, and Putt was founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, The United States Golf Association, and the PGA of America. The competition pits junior golfers between the ages of 7-15, in a range of competitions including driving, chipping, and putting.
One of the most intimidating features in the game of golf is having others see your score. As a former head golf professional, I often witnessed players NOT play in tournaments simply because they were concerned with others seeing what score they shot. The beauty of Drive, Chip, and Putt is that the junior participants earn points for their performance. They are less likely to be intimidated about shooting a certain score, and that can only add to their overall enjoyment and level of confidence entering the competition.
The point scoring for the Drive, Chip, and Putt is relatively simple. Players play three shots in each of the categories. In the driving competition, players are awarded points based on both accuracy and distance. For each tee shot that stops inside of the 40 yard fairway, they will be awarded points. The number of points awarded is based on the overall distance of the shot. For example, a tee shot landing in the fairway and traveling less than 25 yards will receive 1 point. However, a tee shot landing in the fairway and traveling over 300 yards will receive 25 points. As you can see, the point total grows the further the ball travels. Participants will only be competing against others their age, so the points earned are appropriate for each level.
To earn points in chipping, players will each play three shots from a 10-15 yard range. Points are earned when players chip their ball inside of the scoring rings that surround the hole. A ball finishing outside of 10 feet will earn 1 point, while a ball finishing in the hole will earn 25 points.
Finally, the putting competition consists of a 6 foot putt, a 15 foot putt, and a 30 foot putt. Again, points are earned by stopping your putt inside of the scoring rings. A ball finishing more than 5 feet from the hole earns 1 point, while a made putt will earn 25 points.
Once all categories have been completed, the points are added together to determine the overall champion.
The Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship consists of numerous qualifying sites throughout the country. To earn their trip to Augusta National, juniors must advance through 3 stages of qualifying. Local, Sub Regional, and Regional. Our local qualifying sites have been listed for your convenience.
Golf is a game that we can enjoy for a lifetime. Getting your junior involved early on will prove to be an invaluable experience. If you have a junior golfer who is interested in a fun competition with an incredible opportunity awaiting them, I highly suggest you visit the Drive, Chip, and Putt website to register your junior for the 2018 Championship.
Visit drivechipandputt.com for more information.
Drive, Chip & Put Schedule:
Date Location Registration Deadline
20-May-17 Tiger Woods Learning Center 15-May-17
1 Tiger Woods Way
Anaheim, CA 92801
8-Jun-17 Morongo Golf Club 3-Jun-17
36211 Champions Drive
Beaumont, CA 92223
13-Jun-17 Whittier Narrows 8-Jun-17
8640 Rush Street
Rosemead, CA 91770
22-Jun-17 Henry Brunton Golf Academy 17-Jun-17
11 Strawberry Farm Road
Irvine, CA 92612
3-Jun-17 Skylinks Golf Course 18-Jun-17
4800 E. Wardlow Road
Long Beach, CA 90808
26-Jun-17 El Dorado Park Golf Course 21-Jun-17
2400 N. Studebaker Road
Long Beach, CA 90815
6-Jun-17 Goose Creek Golf Club 1-Jul-17
11418 68th Street
Jurupa Valley, CA 91752
17-Jul-17 Bear Creek Golf Club 12-Jul-17
22640 Bear Creek Drive N.
Murrieta, CA 92562
21-Jul-17 Costa Mesa Country Club 16-Jul-17
1701 Golf Course Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
24-Jul-17 El Caballero Country Club 19-Jul-17
18300 Tarzana Avenue
Tarzana, CA 91356
