2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Alexandra Phung
Forest Hills
,
NY
Age: 7 - 9
Gender: Girls
Region: Northeast
The Path to the National Finals
Qualifying Path
Should a player advance through local qualifying, the subregional and regional qualifying sites are pre-determined based upon the local qualifying site. The player is not guaranteed participation in the subregional qualifier unless he/she advances through local qualifying. The player is not guaranteed participation in the regional qualifier unless he/she advances through local and subregional qualifying.
Home Course and Location:
North Shore Towers Country Club, Floral Park, New York
Play Golf Right or Left Handed:
Right-handed
Age Started Playing Golf:
5 years old
Lowest Score Shot (9 and/or 18 holes):
9 Holes: 30 (-6) at 2019 US Kids Golf Venice Open
How did you become interested in golf?
My father took me to Pitch and Putt in Flushing Meadows Park,Queens
Who introduced you to golf?
Father
Who do you normally play golf with?
Sister Amelie and brother Leo
Who is your golf teacher?
God
What do you like most about playing golf?
Seeing animals and insects on the course.
What’s the most difficult thing about golf?
Club selection because I am growing fast
What is your favorite club?
F9 Cobra Driver
What is your favorite course in the world?
Kissena Golf Club, Queens
What is your biggest achievement in golf so far?
I was 2nd place at 2019 US Kids Golf Worlds in Pinehurst shooting a record -12 and lost in a playoff. I was top 5 at both the IMG and Callaway Worlds in CA this past summer. In Europe, I was top 5 for U8 at 6 years old at the European Championships in Scotland and 1st in the Venice Open. It’s also my second time as a DCP Finalist.
Have you ever participated in a USGA or PGA of America event? If so, which one(s), when, and how did you do?
I play in the Metropolitan Section Junior events in the NY Metro area ran by Dan Frankel. I came in first place at Smithtown Landing and Milbrook Golf Club in the Junior Classic and Junior PGA Championships in the 7-11 year section.
Do you participate in PGA Junior League?
Yes, I was on the Michael Breed team based out of Trump Links in NYC coached by Bob Bigonette and Guy Robinson.
Do you participate in LPGA*USGA Girls Golf?
No.
Do you participate in The First Tee?
No.
Regional Qualifying Site/Results/Any Memorable Moments:
I had to be within 1 foot on the 15 feet and 30 feet putts to come from behind and win in the playoff.
Have you tried to qualify for Drive, Chip and Putt in the past? If so, please list each of the years and previous results:
Yes, this my 2nd year participating and it’s my 2nd year as a Finalist. I will be in this age group one more year. Last year, I was the youngest participant in the Finals at the age of 7. I came in 6th overall.
List from strongest to weakest – Driving, Chipping, Putting:
Driving, putting, chipping
Have you ever been to the Masters before? If so, when?
Yes, for the DCP 2019 Finals
What is your favorite Masters memory? U.S. Open or U.S. Women’s Open memory? PGA Championship or Women’s PGA Championship memory?
I met Tiger Woods at the 2019 Masters. One of the Augusta National members asked security to let me behind the ropes on the putting area. Tiger gave me a golf ball along with Jason Day. Lydia Ko gave me a ball at the Women’s US Open. At the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage, my sister and I were given special access to the media center to see all the media covering the event. I also met Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, while they were having lunch in the City. We discussed how we’re all looking forward to coming back to Augusta National.
What is your favorite memory of watching golf on TV?
Seeing both my name and my sister’s name on the golf channel as DCP Finalists. I am very happy for my sister.
Who is your favorite male golfer, and why?
Tiger Woods for his pure golf talent because he overcame serious injuries and challenges. I am blessed to have had an amazing year like Tiger. Winning the 2019
Masters and tying Sam Snead for #82.
Who is your favorite female golfer, and why?
Lydia Ko and Danielle Kang. Lydia gave me a ball, so that’s a plus. Both have great short games and are fighters on and off the course. They make time for juniors.
Who is the coolest player in golf, and why?
Elle Lundquist and Hannah Rabb because they hook me up with their golf clothes saving my parents some money!
Have you ever played with someone famous? Who? Please describe the circumstances:
Azahara Munoz came to NYC to help grow the game.
If you could choose to play golf with a dream foursome, who would the other three people be?
My sister Amelie, brother Leo, and mother
Do you have any superstitions as it relates to golf? If so, please describe:
I don’t like to jinx myself by assuming a shot is “easy”.
Do you play any golf videos games? If so, which one(s)?
No.
What food would you serve at your Champions Dinner at Augusta National?
Last year I went with seafood, this year it will be Italian as I was just in Venice!
Appetizer: Thin crust pizza
Main: Seafood spaghetti
Dessert: Mango gelato
Favorite School Subject:
Math
Favorite School Teacher:
Ms. Ross, Ms. Terzi, Ms. Kim at TAG Young Scholars
Favorite Sport (other than golf):
Archery, fishing, jiu jitsu
Favorite Movie:
Lion King
Favorite Singer/Music Group:
1908’s, especially “We are the World” by Michael Jackson.
Favorite TV Show:
Spirits Riding Free
Explain any talents or interests outside of golf:
Like my sister, I am also nationally ranked in Chess. I am currently the 2019 National U8 Girls Champion and NY State K3 Champion. I also won a Silver Medal for the US Chess team last year in Mexico. I like to play the piano and sing with my siblings.
Describe any obstacles you’ve overcome in your life:
I have learned to not let people distract me, while I am competing. I used to get upset when people cheated or were disrespectful; now, I just tune it out and focus on every shot.
Hero/Role Model(s):
Veterans of United States. Harvey Silverman is a Marine Veteran who served in the 1960’s. He goes out of his way to help the homeless and serves as a Big Brother to kids in his community. He is my #1 fan in Connecticut and comes to my competitions. Yes, he will be in Augusta National cheering for my sister and I!
PGA Professionals of America. I don’t know all them by their names but many have given my sister and I as well as juniors in the area, access to golf courses and we thank them for that.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“You can do anything you set your mind to.”
What do you want to be with you grow up?
Last year I wanted to be an engineer, but now I want to be a singer or President of the United States.
Describe yourself:
I am 8-years-old in 3rd grade. I attend TAG Young Scholars, a G&T school, in East Harlem. I love sports, dogs, and music. I enjoy fishing and traveling. I also like seafood and Vietnamese food.
North Shore Towers Country Club, Floral Park, New York
Play Golf Right or Left Handed:
Right-handed
Age Started Playing Golf:
5 years old
Lowest Score Shot (9 and/or 18 holes):
9 Holes: 30 (-6) at 2019 US Kids Golf Venice Open
How did you become interested in golf?
My father took me to Pitch and Putt in Flushing Meadows Park,Queens
Who introduced you to golf?
Father
Who do you normally play golf with?
Sister Amelie and brother Leo
Who is your golf teacher?
God
What do you like most about playing golf?
Seeing animals and insects on the course.
What’s the most difficult thing about golf?
Club selection because I am growing fast
What is your favorite club?
F9 Cobra Driver
What is your favorite course in the world?
Kissena Golf Club, Queens
What is your biggest achievement in golf so far?
I was 2nd place at 2019 US Kids Golf Worlds in Pinehurst shooting a record -12 and lost in a playoff. I was top 5 at both the IMG and Callaway Worlds in CA this past summer. In Europe, I was top 5 for U8 at 6 years old at the European Championships in Scotland and 1st in the Venice Open. It’s also my second time as a DCP Finalist.
Have you ever participated in a USGA or PGA of America event? If so, which one(s), when, and how did you do?
I play in the Metropolitan Section Junior events in the NY Metro area ran by Dan Frankel. I came in first place at Smithtown Landing and Milbrook Golf Club in the Junior Classic and Junior PGA Championships in the 7-11 year section.
Do you participate in PGA Junior League?
Yes, I was on the Michael Breed team based out of Trump Links in NYC coached by Bob Bigonette and Guy Robinson.
Do you participate in LPGA*USGA Girls Golf?
No.
Do you participate in The First Tee?
No.
Regional Qualifying Site/Results/Any Memorable Moments:
I had to be within 1 foot on the 15 feet and 30 feet putts to come from behind and win in the playoff.
Have you tried to qualify for Drive, Chip and Putt in the past? If so, please list each of the years and previous results:
Yes, this my 2nd year participating and it’s my 2nd year as a Finalist. I will be in this age group one more year. Last year, I was the youngest participant in the Finals at the age of 7. I came in 6th overall.
List from strongest to weakest – Driving, Chipping, Putting:
Driving, putting, chipping
Have you ever been to the Masters before? If so, when?
Yes, for the DCP 2019 Finals
What is your favorite Masters memory? U.S. Open or U.S. Women’s Open memory? PGA Championship or Women’s PGA Championship memory?
I met Tiger Woods at the 2019 Masters. One of the Augusta National members asked security to let me behind the ropes on the putting area. Tiger gave me a golf ball along with Jason Day. Lydia Ko gave me a ball at the Women’s US Open. At the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage, my sister and I were given special access to the media center to see all the media covering the event. I also met Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, while they were having lunch in the City. We discussed how we’re all looking forward to coming back to Augusta National.
What is your favorite memory of watching golf on TV?
Seeing both my name and my sister’s name on the golf channel as DCP Finalists. I am very happy for my sister.
Who is your favorite male golfer, and why?
Tiger Woods for his pure golf talent because he overcame serious injuries and challenges. I am blessed to have had an amazing year like Tiger. Winning the 2019
Masters and tying Sam Snead for #82.
Who is your favorite female golfer, and why?
Lydia Ko and Danielle Kang. Lydia gave me a ball, so that’s a plus. Both have great short games and are fighters on and off the course. They make time for juniors.
Who is the coolest player in golf, and why?
Elle Lundquist and Hannah Rabb because they hook me up with their golf clothes saving my parents some money!
Have you ever played with someone famous? Who? Please describe the circumstances:
Azahara Munoz came to NYC to help grow the game.
If you could choose to play golf with a dream foursome, who would the other three people be?
My sister Amelie, brother Leo, and mother
Do you have any superstitions as it relates to golf? If so, please describe:
I don’t like to jinx myself by assuming a shot is “easy”.
Do you play any golf videos games? If so, which one(s)?
No.
What food would you serve at your Champions Dinner at Augusta National?
Last year I went with seafood, this year it will be Italian as I was just in Venice!
Appetizer: Thin crust pizza
Main: Seafood spaghetti
Dessert: Mango gelato
Favorite School Subject:
Math
Favorite School Teacher:
Ms. Ross, Ms. Terzi, Ms. Kim at TAG Young Scholars
Favorite Sport (other than golf):
Archery, fishing, jiu jitsu
Favorite Movie:
Lion King
Favorite Singer/Music Group:
1908’s, especially “We are the World” by Michael Jackson.
Favorite TV Show:
Spirits Riding Free
Explain any talents or interests outside of golf:
Like my sister, I am also nationally ranked in Chess. I am currently the 2019 National U8 Girls Champion and NY State K3 Champion. I also won a Silver Medal for the US Chess team last year in Mexico. I like to play the piano and sing with my siblings.
Describe any obstacles you’ve overcome in your life:
I have learned to not let people distract me, while I am competing. I used to get upset when people cheated or were disrespectful; now, I just tune it out and focus on every shot.
Hero/Role Model(s):
Veterans of United States. Harvey Silverman is a Marine Veteran who served in the 1960’s. He goes out of his way to help the homeless and serves as a Big Brother to kids in his community. He is my #1 fan in Connecticut and comes to my competitions. Yes, he will be in Augusta National cheering for my sister and I!
PGA Professionals of America. I don’t know all them by their names but many have given my sister and I as well as juniors in the area, access to golf courses and we thank them for that.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“You can do anything you set your mind to.”
What do you want to be with you grow up?
Last year I wanted to be an engineer, but now I want to be a singer or President of the United States.
Describe yourself:
I am 8-years-old in 3rd grade. I attend TAG Young Scholars, a G&T school, in East Harlem. I love sports, dogs, and music. I enjoy fishing and traveling. I also like seafood and Vietnamese food.
