2025 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Kosei(Ko) Imai
Powell
,
Ohio
Age: 7 - 9
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 BIRTHPLACE:
Japan
HOME GOLF COURSE AND LOCATION:
Delaware Golf Club, Delaware, Ohio
PLAY GOLF RIGHT OR LEFT HANDED:
Right
AGE STARTED PLAYING GOLF:
2
LOWEST SCORE SHOT (9 AND/OR 18 HOLES):
31 (9 holes), 66 (18 holes)
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN GOLF?
My dad took me to the driving range and it was fun.
WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF?
My dad.
WHO DO YOU NORMALLY PLAY GOLF WITH?
My brother, Kengo.
WHO IS YOUR GOLF INSTRUCTOR?
Matt Smith
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PLAYING GOLF?
Making a putt into the hole.
WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT GOLF?
Making a putt into the hole.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF CLUB?
Putter
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD?
Scioto Country Club
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN GOLF SO FAR?
Becoming a National Finalist of DCP, and becoming 4th at U.S. Kids World Championship (2023).
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER JUNIORS PARTICIPATING IN DCP WHO ARE TRYING TO REACH THE NATIONAL FINALS?
Never give up.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT?
Having a chance to go to Augusta National.
HAVE YOU TRIED TO QUALIFIY FOR DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT IN THE PAST? IF SO, PLEASE LIST EACH YEAR AND YOUR PREVIOUS RESULTS:
Yes, I tried last year and finished 4th at Regional at Scioto Country Club.
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?
I watched last year and the year before and my friend Maxwell Lattavo (2023 National Finalist) inspired me to work harder to get to this position.
LIST FROM STRONGEST TO WEAKEST – DRIVING, CHIPPING, PUTTING:
Putting, Chipping, Driving
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF ACCESSORY (HAT, HEADCOVER, BALL MARKER, ETC.)?
My diver headcover which I got at Valhalla Golf Club Regional qualifier.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Scottie Scheffler because he is very consistent and strong player.
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO PLAY GOLF WITH A DREAM FOURSOME, WHO WOULD THE OTHER THREE PEOPLE BE?
Me, Tiger woods, Scottie Scheffler and Bryson Dechambeau.
WHAT FOOD WOULD YOU SERVE AT YOUR CHAMPIONS DINNER AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL?
Japanese steak, sushi and ramen.
DESCRIBE ANY TALENTS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF GOLF:
Football, Ninja Warrior and playing video games.
HERO / ROLE MODEL(S):
My dad Yusuke.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
No pain no gain.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
I want to become a professional golfer.
