2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Kristina Ma
Columbus
,
OH
Age: 12 - 13
Gender: Girls
Region: Great Lakes
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:
York Golf Club
Play Golf Right or Left Handed:
Right handed
Age Started Playing Golf:
5
Lowest Score Shot (9 and/or 18 holes):
9/34, 18/77
Handicap Index:
2 for 9 holes, 8 for 18 holes
How did you become interested in golf?
I saw my older brother taking golf classes at our local recreation center when I was 4 years old and I could not wait until I was 5 years old so I could take lessons too.
Who introduced you to golf?
Former Ohio State University player Alyssa Lynch gave me introductory golf lessons when I was 5 years old. Retired golf pro John Enimen “discovered my natural ability” during lessons at clubmed and encouraged me at six to join The First Tee and compete in tournaments.
Who do you normally play golf with?
My (older) brother Stephen
Who is your golf teacher?
Coach Brad Sparling (Former golf coach at Duke University and The Ohio State University
What do you like most about playing golf?
The challenge (because I like to be challenged in life, golf is a great fit for me). I’m very competitive and my friends who are better than me encourage me to work harder.
What part of golf do you like to practice the most?
I practice short game the most because a tight short game levels the playing field for me.
What’s the most difficult thing about golf?
For me, the most difficult thing about golf is hitting a 5 iron solid.
What is your favorite club?
Putter (I “putted” my way to National Finals)
What is your favorite course in the world?
Augusta National
What is your biggest achievement in golf so far?
Shooting a 77 in my 4th 18-hole match and beating out 104 golfers (all but 3 middle school boys). It was monumental for me because I proved to myself that I could shoot in the 70’s.
Have you ever participated in a USGA or PGA of America event? If so, which one(s), when, and how did you do?
Not yet
Do you participate in PGA Junior League?
Yes, since I was 7. My all star team and I placed 2nd for the last 2 years at the regional championships.
Do you participate in LPGA*USGA Girls Golf?
Yes! I love girls golf. This was my first year but not my last. I plan to volunteer as an E Leader.
Do you participate in The First Tee?
Yes, I started when I was 6 years old. Now I’m at birdie level.
Local Qualifying Site/Results/Any Memorable Moments:
Blacklick Woods: 1st place overall, 1st place in drive, 2nd place in chip; Almost made my second chip in
Sub-Regional Qualifying Site/Results/Any Memorable Moments:
TCP Riverbend: 2nd place overall, 2nd place in chip, 3rd place in putt; this was the first time I qualified from TCP to go to regionals. When I realized that I had moved on, I was ecstatic.
Regional Qualifying Site/Results/Any Memorable Moments:
Oakland Hills CC: 1st place overall, 1st place in putt, draining my 30-footer to win 1st place overall and in putt to qualify for nationals
Have you tried to qualify for Drive, Chip and Putt in the past? If so, please list each of the years and previous results:
2017: Regionals, 2018: subregionals
Did you watch last year’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on television? If so, what impact did that have on your participation this year?
Yes, Angela Zhang surprised me with her long drive and phenomenal chipping and putting skills to win the 7-9 girls. I hope to surprise others and win nationals.
List from strongest to weakest – Driving, Chipping, Putting:
Putting, chipping, driving
Have you ever been to the Masters before? If so, when?
No
What is your favorite Masters memory? U.S. Open or U.S. Women’s Open memory? PGA Championship or Women’s PGA Championship memory?
Masters: Mr. Jordan Spieth giving Mr. Patrick Reed a run for his money in 2018
US Open: Mr. Dustin Johnson’s mental game during 2016 ball movement controversy and winning (reminded me to focus on my next shot)
PGA Championship: Mr. Rory McIlroy blowing away the field in 2012
What is your favorite memory of watching golf on TV?
Mr. Gary Woodland almost chipping in on 17 during the final round of the US Open. (Amy and I were rooting for him – we knew he had the win in the bag).
Who is your favorite male golfer, and why?
Mr. Phil Mickelson taught me manners matter. When I was 7 waiting for his autograph, I asked “Excuse me Mr. Mickelson, may I please have your autograph?” After Mr. Mickelson heard me, he stopped signing on the other side of the autograph zone and went straight to sign my autograph book.
Who is your favorite female golfer, and why?
Ms. Lexi Thompson because she accomplished amazing things at a young age. She was the youngest golfer to qualify to play in the US Women’s Open and set a new record as the youngest winner of an LPGA tournament.
Who is the coolest player in golf, and why?
Mr. Phil Mickelson because he is outgoing both on and off the course. I love his dancing dress shirt commercial and his “hitting bombs” rap video. He is fun to watch playing golf because he’s not afraid to take risks with his shots.
Have you ever played with someone famous? Who? Please describe the circumstance:
I putted and chipped with Mr. Chesson Hadley once. I was at the 2017 FCA Golf Gameday event at nationwide children’s hospital championship that he, Mr. Scott Langley, and Mr. Matt Atkins were practicing. We walked 9 holes with them.
If you could choose to play golf with a dream foursome, who would the other three people be?
My dream foursome would make an awesome DCP Team: Pro Golfers Mrs. Babe Didrikson Zaharias (She could outdrive men during her time and she changed women’s golf), Mr. Phil Mickelson (master of the flop shot), and Mr. Jack Nicklaus (one of the best putters of all time).
Do you have any superstitions as it relates to golf? If so, please describe:
I don’t really have any golf superstitions except I don’t eat sugar the day of my competition.
Do you play any golf video games? If so, which one(s)?
Yes, I play a little bit of wii golf and WGT Golf.
What food would you serve at your Champions Dinner at Augusta National?
Appetizer – Soup Dumplings (with meat or vegetables); Entrée – Udon; Sides – shrimp in rice noodle roll (from dim sum menu); Lobster mac ‘n cheese (inspired by Mr. Phil Mickelson & Mr. Patrick Reed’s champions dinner); dessert – funfetti cake milkshake (inspired by Mr. Bubba Watson’s champions dinner dessert).
Favorite School Subject:
Math
Favorite School Teacher:
Mr. Justin Beattie (he graduated from my middle school and returned to teach English here)
Favorite Sport (other than golf):
Swimming (I love the water!)
Favorite Movie:
A Dog’s Journey
Favorite Singer/Music Group:
Demi Lovato
Favorite TV Show:
Game Shakers
Favorite App:
Puzzledom
Favorite Emoji:
Golf
Explain any talents or interests outside of golf:
I’m developing SociEmoti, a national award winning game app that teaches children with autism social, emotional, and communication skills so they can make more friends.
Describe any obstacles you’ve overcome in your life:
I’ve had to overcome working with boys as the only girl on my state winning research & robotics team, (almost) undefeated middle school golf team, & PGA Jr League and PGA Jr League All Stars. I overcame it by learning to not let the rude things boys say get to me and focusing on getting better.
Hero/Role Model(s):
My role models are my parents and Mr. Phil Mickelson.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was to “focus on the present and future, not on the past.”
What do you want to be with you grow up?
When I grow up, I want to be either a business woman (a “shark” on the TV show “Shark Tank”), entrepreneur, senator, or professional golfer.
Describe yourself:
I describe myself as intelligent, confident, organized, studious, ambitious and kind leader.
York Golf Club
Play Golf Right or Left Handed:
Right handed
Age Started Playing Golf:
5
Lowest Score Shot (9 and/or 18 holes):
9/34, 18/77
Handicap Index:
2 for 9 holes, 8 for 18 holes
How did you become interested in golf?
I saw my older brother taking golf classes at our local recreation center when I was 4 years old and I could not wait until I was 5 years old so I could take lessons too.
Who introduced you to golf?
Former Ohio State University player Alyssa Lynch gave me introductory golf lessons when I was 5 years old. Retired golf pro John Enimen “discovered my natural ability” during lessons at clubmed and encouraged me at six to join The First Tee and compete in tournaments.
Who do you normally play golf with?
My (older) brother Stephen
Who is your golf teacher?
Coach Brad Sparling (Former golf coach at Duke University and The Ohio State University
What do you like most about playing golf?
The challenge (because I like to be challenged in life, golf is a great fit for me). I’m very competitive and my friends who are better than me encourage me to work harder.
What part of golf do you like to practice the most?
I practice short game the most because a tight short game levels the playing field for me.
What’s the most difficult thing about golf?
For me, the most difficult thing about golf is hitting a 5 iron solid.
What is your favorite club?
Putter (I “putted” my way to National Finals)
What is your favorite course in the world?
Augusta National
What is your biggest achievement in golf so far?
Shooting a 77 in my 4th 18-hole match and beating out 104 golfers (all but 3 middle school boys). It was monumental for me because I proved to myself that I could shoot in the 70’s.
Have you ever participated in a USGA or PGA of America event? If so, which one(s), when, and how did you do?
Not yet
Do you participate in PGA Junior League?
Yes, since I was 7. My all star team and I placed 2nd for the last 2 years at the regional championships.
Do you participate in LPGA*USGA Girls Golf?
Yes! I love girls golf. This was my first year but not my last. I plan to volunteer as an E Leader.
Do you participate in The First Tee?
Yes, I started when I was 6 years old. Now I’m at birdie level.
Local Qualifying Site/Results/Any Memorable Moments:
Blacklick Woods: 1st place overall, 1st place in drive, 2nd place in chip; Almost made my second chip in
Sub-Regional Qualifying Site/Results/Any Memorable Moments:
TCP Riverbend: 2nd place overall, 2nd place in chip, 3rd place in putt; this was the first time I qualified from TCP to go to regionals. When I realized that I had moved on, I was ecstatic.
Regional Qualifying Site/Results/Any Memorable Moments:
Oakland Hills CC: 1st place overall, 1st place in putt, draining my 30-footer to win 1st place overall and in putt to qualify for nationals
Have you tried to qualify for Drive, Chip and Putt in the past? If so, please list each of the years and previous results:
2017: Regionals, 2018: subregionals
Did you watch last year’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on television? If so, what impact did that have on your participation this year?
Yes, Angela Zhang surprised me with her long drive and phenomenal chipping and putting skills to win the 7-9 girls. I hope to surprise others and win nationals.
List from strongest to weakest – Driving, Chipping, Putting:
Putting, chipping, driving
Have you ever been to the Masters before? If so, when?
No
What is your favorite Masters memory? U.S. Open or U.S. Women’s Open memory? PGA Championship or Women’s PGA Championship memory?
Masters: Mr. Jordan Spieth giving Mr. Patrick Reed a run for his money in 2018
US Open: Mr. Dustin Johnson’s mental game during 2016 ball movement controversy and winning (reminded me to focus on my next shot)
PGA Championship: Mr. Rory McIlroy blowing away the field in 2012
What is your favorite memory of watching golf on TV?
Mr. Gary Woodland almost chipping in on 17 during the final round of the US Open. (Amy and I were rooting for him – we knew he had the win in the bag).
Who is your favorite male golfer, and why?
Mr. Phil Mickelson taught me manners matter. When I was 7 waiting for his autograph, I asked “Excuse me Mr. Mickelson, may I please have your autograph?” After Mr. Mickelson heard me, he stopped signing on the other side of the autograph zone and went straight to sign my autograph book.
Who is your favorite female golfer, and why?
Ms. Lexi Thompson because she accomplished amazing things at a young age. She was the youngest golfer to qualify to play in the US Women’s Open and set a new record as the youngest winner of an LPGA tournament.
Who is the coolest player in golf, and why?
Mr. Phil Mickelson because he is outgoing both on and off the course. I love his dancing dress shirt commercial and his “hitting bombs” rap video. He is fun to watch playing golf because he’s not afraid to take risks with his shots.
Have you ever played with someone famous? Who? Please describe the circumstance:
I putted and chipped with Mr. Chesson Hadley once. I was at the 2017 FCA Golf Gameday event at nationwide children’s hospital championship that he, Mr. Scott Langley, and Mr. Matt Atkins were practicing. We walked 9 holes with them.
If you could choose to play golf with a dream foursome, who would the other three people be?
My dream foursome would make an awesome DCP Team: Pro Golfers Mrs. Babe Didrikson Zaharias (She could outdrive men during her time and she changed women’s golf), Mr. Phil Mickelson (master of the flop shot), and Mr. Jack Nicklaus (one of the best putters of all time).
Do you have any superstitions as it relates to golf? If so, please describe:
I don’t really have any golf superstitions except I don’t eat sugar the day of my competition.
Do you play any golf video games? If so, which one(s)?
Yes, I play a little bit of wii golf and WGT Golf.
What food would you serve at your Champions Dinner at Augusta National?
Appetizer – Soup Dumplings (with meat or vegetables); Entrée – Udon; Sides – shrimp in rice noodle roll (from dim sum menu); Lobster mac ‘n cheese (inspired by Mr. Phil Mickelson & Mr. Patrick Reed’s champions dinner); dessert – funfetti cake milkshake (inspired by Mr. Bubba Watson’s champions dinner dessert).
Favorite School Subject:
Math
Favorite School Teacher:
Mr. Justin Beattie (he graduated from my middle school and returned to teach English here)
Favorite Sport (other than golf):
Swimming (I love the water!)
Favorite Movie:
A Dog’s Journey
Favorite Singer/Music Group:
Demi Lovato
Favorite TV Show:
Game Shakers
Favorite App:
Puzzledom
Favorite Emoji:
Golf
Explain any talents or interests outside of golf:
I’m developing SociEmoti, a national award winning game app that teaches children with autism social, emotional, and communication skills so they can make more friends.
Describe any obstacles you’ve overcome in your life:
I’ve had to overcome working with boys as the only girl on my state winning research & robotics team, (almost) undefeated middle school golf team, & PGA Jr League and PGA Jr League All Stars. I overcame it by learning to not let the rude things boys say get to me and focusing on getting better.
Hero/Role Model(s):
My role models are my parents and Mr. Phil Mickelson.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was to “focus on the present and future, not on the past.”
What do you want to be with you grow up?
When I grow up, I want to be either a business woman (a “shark” on the TV show “Shark Tank”), entrepreneur, senator, or professional golfer.
Describe yourself:
I describe myself as intelligent, confident, organized, studious, ambitious and kind leader.
