2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Amelie Phung
Forest Hills
,
New York
Age: 12 - 13
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:
7 years old
Lowest Score Shot (9 and/or 18 holes):
18 Holes: 68 at 2019 US Kids Golf Venice Open
How did you become interested in golf?
My father took me to Stanford Driving Range when we lived in the Bay Area
Who introduced you to golf?
God
Who do you normally play golf with?
Sister Alexa and brother Leo
Who is your golf teacher?
Bob Bigonette, Kevin Sprecher, Bob Guido, and Mike Sanabria have helped me with golf over the years. Kirk Oguri has been helping me with fittings.
What do you like most about playing golf?
Being on a golf course is a nice escape from NYC! Obviously, I also enjoy fun and quality time with friends and my siblings.
What’s the most difficult thing about golf?
Mental toughness and focus
What is your favorite club?
5 wood
What is your favorite course in the world?
Liberty National in NYC and Gillette Ridge GC, CT both have amazing views and challenging holes!
What is your biggest achievement in golf so far?
I was 1st at the 2019 New York PGA Junior Championship at Leatherstocking, New York. I was the youngest to ever win.
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 shot 79 on Blue Bethpage and 78, 75 at Pelham Bay GC at the NYC Championships to place 8th.
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:
Regionals at TPC River Highlands CT. My sister Alexa and I both had to make pivotal putts to advance to Augusta National. We were told we are the first sister pair Finalists. Veteran Harvey Silverman (who served as a Marine 1962-1966) came to cheer us on and chaperone me during the regionals. It meant the world to him and us that he was part of our DCP experience.
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 4th year participating. I had advanced to the regionals three times and this is my first time to be a Finalist.
List from strongest to weakest – Driving, Chipping, Putting:
Chipping, putting, driving
Have you ever been to the Masters before? If so, when?
Yes, for the DCP 2019 Finals when my sister Alexa was at Augusta National.
What is your favorite Masters memory? U.S. Open or U.S. Women’s Open memory? PGA Championship or Women’s PGA Championship memory?
When the players skip the ball on #16 at the Masters.
What is your favorite memory of watching golf on TV?
Watching highlights of Tiger’s 2019 Masters and my sister’s DCP Finals at Augusta National.
Who is your favorite male golfer, and why?
Justin Thomas because he has an amazing short game and makes time for charities and kids.
Who is your favorite female golfer, and why?
Annika Sorenstam and Lexi Thompson because they are beautiful in their own ways and make time for fans and family.
Who is the coolest player in golf, and why?
Mariah Brownhill and Francesca Choquette because we party at Liberty National like its 1999 (note we are all 12 years old). Thanks guys for hosting!
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?
Condoleezza Rice, Justin Timberlake, Annika Sorenstam
Do you have any superstitions as it relates to golf? If so, please describe:
I pray before every match
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?
Appetizer: Vietnamese Summer Rolls or Fried Spring Rolls
Main: Beef Pho or Vermicelli Noodles with Grilled Pork and/or spring rolls
Dessert: Banana with Sago Pearls and Coconut Milk or Sweet corn pudding
Favorite School Subject:
Math
Favorite School Teacher:
Mr. Goodin, Ms. Lake, and Ms. Ruiz from TAG Young Scholars
Favorite Sport (other than golf):
Fishing
Favorite Movie:
Ferdinand
Favorite Singer/Music Group:
Hamilton Soundtrack (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
Favorite TV Show:
Friends
Favorite App:
Musi
Explain any talents or interests outside of golf:
I am nationally ranked in Chess and have won a Gold Medal for the US Chess team. I enjoy music and singing with my siblings. We are doing our version of “We are the World” hoping to raise money for USA kids.
Describe any obstacles you’ve overcome in your life:
In the past, I struggled with nerves when I competed in golf or chess; I would consistently choke on championship matches. I have been improving steadily and hope to share the techniques that helped me with other juniors.
Hero/Role Model(s):
I met Virginia Elena Carta in her home country Italy at the US Kids Golf Venice Open. She is a great role model for her achievements in golf at Duke as an individual and team Champion. She also kept her grades up and will be getting her Masters at Cambridge. She persevered through tough times, while achieving these goals. No wonder she is a finalist for the 2019 NCAA Women of the Year Award!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Coach Bob once said, “Golf doesn’t discriminate, including age.” This has given me confidence when I compete.
What do you want to be with you grow up?
I hope to be an engineer because I enjoy coding and robotics.
Describe yourself:
I am currently 11 years old and in 7th grade. I attend TAG Young Scholars, a G&T school, in East Harlem. For fun, I like tutoring young kids’ chess and STEM topics. I also like music and have aspirations to help kids in need in America. I see kids in Harlem who can use the help and realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity to golf and travel.
North Shore Towers Country Club, Floral Park New York
Play Golf Right or Left Handed:
Right-handed
Age Started Playing Golf:
7 years old
Lowest Score Shot (9 and/or 18 holes):
18 Holes: 68 at 2019 US Kids Golf Venice Open
How did you become interested in golf?
My father took me to Stanford Driving Range when we lived in the Bay Area
Who introduced you to golf?
God
Who do you normally play golf with?
Sister Alexa and brother Leo
Who is your golf teacher?
Bob Bigonette, Kevin Sprecher, Bob Guido, and Mike Sanabria have helped me with golf over the years. Kirk Oguri has been helping me with fittings.
What do you like most about playing golf?
Being on a golf course is a nice escape from NYC! Obviously, I also enjoy fun and quality time with friends and my siblings.
What’s the most difficult thing about golf?
Mental toughness and focus
What is your favorite club?
5 wood
What is your favorite course in the world?
Liberty National in NYC and Gillette Ridge GC, CT both have amazing views and challenging holes!
What is your biggest achievement in golf so far?
I was 1st at the 2019 New York PGA Junior Championship at Leatherstocking, New York. I was the youngest to ever win.
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 shot 79 on Blue Bethpage and 78, 75 at Pelham Bay GC at the NYC Championships to place 8th.
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:
Regionals at TPC River Highlands CT. My sister Alexa and I both had to make pivotal putts to advance to Augusta National. We were told we are the first sister pair Finalists. Veteran Harvey Silverman (who served as a Marine 1962-1966) came to cheer us on and chaperone me during the regionals. It meant the world to him and us that he was part of our DCP experience.
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 4th year participating. I had advanced to the regionals three times and this is my first time to be a Finalist.
List from strongest to weakest – Driving, Chipping, Putting:
Chipping, putting, driving
Have you ever been to the Masters before? If so, when?
Yes, for the DCP 2019 Finals when my sister Alexa was at Augusta National.
What is your favorite Masters memory? U.S. Open or U.S. Women’s Open memory? PGA Championship or Women’s PGA Championship memory?
When the players skip the ball on #16 at the Masters.
What is your favorite memory of watching golf on TV?
Watching highlights of Tiger’s 2019 Masters and my sister’s DCP Finals at Augusta National.
Who is your favorite male golfer, and why?
Justin Thomas because he has an amazing short game and makes time for charities and kids.
Who is your favorite female golfer, and why?
Annika Sorenstam and Lexi Thompson because they are beautiful in their own ways and make time for fans and family.
Who is the coolest player in golf, and why?
Mariah Brownhill and Francesca Choquette because we party at Liberty National like its 1999 (note we are all 12 years old). Thanks guys for hosting!
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?
Condoleezza Rice, Justin Timberlake, Annika Sorenstam
Do you have any superstitions as it relates to golf? If so, please describe:
I pray before every match
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?
Appetizer: Vietnamese Summer Rolls or Fried Spring Rolls
Main: Beef Pho or Vermicelli Noodles with Grilled Pork and/or spring rolls
Dessert: Banana with Sago Pearls and Coconut Milk or Sweet corn pudding
Favorite School Subject:
Math
Favorite School Teacher:
Mr. Goodin, Ms. Lake, and Ms. Ruiz from TAG Young Scholars
Favorite Sport (other than golf):
Fishing
Favorite Movie:
Ferdinand
Favorite Singer/Music Group:
Hamilton Soundtrack (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
Favorite TV Show:
Friends
Favorite App:
Musi
Explain any talents or interests outside of golf:
I am nationally ranked in Chess and have won a Gold Medal for the US Chess team. I enjoy music and singing with my siblings. We are doing our version of “We are the World” hoping to raise money for USA kids.
Describe any obstacles you’ve overcome in your life:
In the past, I struggled with nerves when I competed in golf or chess; I would consistently choke on championship matches. I have been improving steadily and hope to share the techniques that helped me with other juniors.
Hero/Role Model(s):
I met Virginia Elena Carta in her home country Italy at the US Kids Golf Venice Open. She is a great role model for her achievements in golf at Duke as an individual and team Champion. She also kept her grades up and will be getting her Masters at Cambridge. She persevered through tough times, while achieving these goals. No wonder she is a finalist for the 2019 NCAA Women of the Year Award!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Coach Bob once said, “Golf doesn’t discriminate, including age.” This has given me confidence when I compete.
What do you want to be with you grow up?
I hope to be an engineer because I enjoy coding and robotics.
Describe yourself:
I am currently 11 years old and in 7th grade. I attend TAG Young Scholars, a G&T school, in East Harlem. For fun, I like tutoring young kids’ chess and STEM topics. I also like music and have aspirations to help kids in need in America. I see kids in Harlem who can use the help and realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity to golf and travel.
