Four local junior golfers had the experience of a lifetime this month as they competed at Augusta National Golf Club (Augusta, GA) in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on April 3. It was a warm, sunny day, the Sunday before the Masters tournament as 40 boys and 40 girls fulfilled their dreams of putting on the 18^th green, the same green the Pro’s play on. They tested their skills in each of golf’s three fundamental skills – drive, chip and putt after qualifying for their spot back in September 2021. The four juniors representing the Minnesota PGA Section came from all around the Section, which encompasses Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and a portion of Western Wisconsin that includes St. Croix County and Superior, Wisconsin:

Girls 7-9: Lauren Wolthuizen – Sioux Falls, SD

Boys 7-9: Lincoln Trasamar – Sioux Falls, SD

Girls 10-11: Natalie Martin – Park Rapids, MN

Girls 12-13: Abigail Labrador – Albertville, MN

Conducted in partnership between the Masters Tournament, the PGA of America and the USGA Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip and Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. Participants who advance through local, sub-regional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament. Visit drivechipandputt.com to find a Local Qualifier near you.