2023 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Elijah Lemmon
McCordsville
,
IN
Age: 14 - 15
Gender: Boys
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.
PLAYER’S PREFERRED FIRST NAME:
Eli
HOME GOLF COURSE AND LOCATION:
Ironwood Golf Course (Fishers, Indiana)
PLAY GOLF RIGHT OR LEFT HANDED:
Right handed
LOWEST SCORE SHOT (9 AND/OR 18 HOLES):
30 (9 holes), 63 (18 holes)
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN GOLF?
It started as a way to spend time with my Papaw and with my great-grandpa. I realized I really liked the game and played every chance I got.
WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF?
My grandfather (Papaw), Tom Kirby
WHO DO YOU NORMALLY PLAY GOLF WITH?
My Papaw
WHO IS YOUR GOLF INSTRUCTOR?
My Papaw
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PLAYING GOLF?
Golf is traditionally an individual game, and it’s time for me to be alone with my thoughts.
WHAT PART OF GOLF DO YOU LIKE TO PRACTICE THE MOST?
Putting
WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT GOLF?
The mental aspect of it
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLUB?
My 56 degree
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD?
The Kampen Course at Purdue
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN GOLF SO FAR?
Winning my middle school’s conference match two years in a row.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT?
I like that you can turn your scoring around with just a few shots.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM YOUR LOCAL, SUBREGIONAL OR REGIONAL QUALIFIERS:
I was actually the alternate for the Regional at Scioto. Being at Scioto was memorable because we got to tee off from Jack Nicklaus’ plaque, where he hit his first golf shot.
HAVE YOU TRIED TO QUALIFY FOR DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT IN THE PAST? IF SO, PLEASE LIST EACH YEAR AND YOUR PREVIOUS RESULTS:
Yes. 2015, didn’t advance from local qualifier. 2016 -didn’t advance from local qualifier 2017- advanced to subregional. 2018 - advanced to subregional 2019 - 3rd at subregional. 2021 - advanced to Regional at Oakland Hills and placed 2nd
LIST FROM STRONGEST TO WEAKEST – DRIVING, CHIPPING, PUTTING:
Putting, chipping, driving
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO THE MASTERS BEFORE? IF SO, WHEN?
Yes. I was there 2 years ago when my sister qualified for the National Finals.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF ACCESSORY (HAT, HEADCOVER, BALL MARKER, ETC.)?
My donkey headcover
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WATCHING GOLF ON TV?
Watching Jordan win the Masters in 2015
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Will Zalatoris - I like his confidence and we have the same body build.
WHO IS THE COOLEST PLAYER IN GOLF, AND WHY?
Tiger because he is the GOAT
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO PLAY GOLF WITH A DREAM FOURSOME, WHO WOULD THE OTHER THREE PEOPLE BE?
Will Zalatoris, Jordan Spieth, and my Papaw
WHAT FOOD WOULD YOU SERVE AT YOUR CHAMPIONS DINNER AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL?
Steak, sweet potato fries and peach ice cream sandwiches
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT:
Gym
FAVORITE SCHOOL TEACHER:
Mr. Palmer - my 5th grade teacher
FAVORITE SPORT (OTHER THAN GOLF):
Football
FAVORITE MOVIE:
Happy Gilmore
FAVORITE SINGER / MUSIC GROUP:
DMX
FAVORITE TV SHOW:
SportsCenter
DESCRIBE ANY TALENTS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF GOLF:
I like doing magic tricks and tapping rhythms.
DESCRIBE ANY OBSTACLES YOU’VE OVERCOME IN YOUR LIFE:
I feel very lucky to have a wonderful family and friends around me to keep me happy and help me through everything I face!
HERO / ROLE MODEL(S):
My Papaw - he sacrifices so much time and energy on me.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Focus and flow. Fuel and rest. -My dad
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Golf course architect
DESCRIBE YOURSELF:
I love to read (favorite book currently is ‘The Cup They Couldn’t Lose). I enjoy learning about the history of golf. My favorite place to be is on a golf course. I enjoy watching NFL football, particularly the Colts.
