2025 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Lucas Dunaway
Troy
,
Virginia
Age: 7 - 9
Gender: Boys
Region: Middle Atlantic
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:
Charlottesville, Virginia
HOME GOLF COURSE AND LOCATION:
Lake Monticello Golf Club; Palmyra, VA
PLAY GOLF RIGHT OR LEFT HANDED:
Right
AGE STARTED PLAYING GOLF:
My mom has a video of me swinging her driver at age 2, it was pretty good ball contact for a 2 year old. I mostly just swung clubs while riding along during my parents golf rounds until age 6 when I began playing competitively.
LOWEST SCORE SHOT (9 AND/OR 18 HOLES):
30 (9 hole); 64 (18 hole)
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN GOLF?
Riding along during my parents golf rounds got me interested in the challenge of the game. I got inspired by them and they are the ones who got me started on my golf journey.
WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF?
My parents
WHO DO YOU NORMALLY PLAY GOLF WITH?
My parents
WHO IS YOUR GOLF INSTRUCTOR?
Mark Marshall
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PLAYING GOLF?
The challenge of the game, meeting new friends, and having fun.
WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT GOLF?
Each round is different and challenging. Consistent golf shots is hard, but the mental part of golf is the hardest. Staying focused and positive after bad shot or tough round.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF CLUB?
56 Wedge. I like playing different kinds of shots around the green.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD?
Augusta National Golf Club. The course looks great on TV during the Masters, and now that I have a chance to see it in person definitely makes it my favorite.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN GOLF SO FAR?
Drive Chip Putt finalist is huge. State Championships, 3rd place finish at Under Armour Summer Nationals, 2nd & 4th place finishes at US Kids Regionals, and competing at US Kids World championship.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER JUNIORS PARTICIPATING IN DCP WHO ARE TRYING TO REACH THE NATIONAL FINALS?
Work hard on the short game. All the work you put in comes down to 9 little shots. Try to relax and not be nervous during your shots.
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE?
Yes. Lake Monticello Junior League
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN FIRST TEE?
Yes. When I was younger, I participated in the First Tee-Virginia Blue Ridge
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT?
The opportunity to compete with other golfers, and hopefully meet some PGA players preparing for the Masters Tournament.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM YOUR LOCAL, SUBREGIONAL OR REGIONAL QUALIFIERS:
Making two putts and one chip at both the sub-regional and regional events.
HAVE YOU TRIED TO QUALIFIY FOR DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT IN THE PAST? IF SO, PLEASE LIST EACH YEAR AND YOUR PREVIOUS RESULTS:
This is my second time competing DCP. My first DCP event, I was sick and didn't qualify to go to sub-regional, so this year I worked hard to stay healthy and prepared for DCP.
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. It made me really want to go to Augusta National.
LIST FROM STRONGEST TO WEAKEST – DRIVING, CHIPPING, PUTTING:
Putting, driving, chipping
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF ACCESSORY (HAT, HEADCOVER, BALL MARKER, ETC.)?
I collect ball markers from every course I play or compete.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
It is a tough choice. I met Padraig Harrington twice. He gives his time and advice to young players, which has helped me. Scottie Scheffler is also one of my favorites. He seems to be a good guy and is fun to watch.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
LPGA pro Lauren Coughlin. I met her multiple times and we challenged each other to a putting contest at a local First Tee event.
WHO IS THE COOLEST PLAYER IN GOLF, AND WHY?
Sahith Theegala. I think he is a nice guy. He called a penalty on himself in the third round of the Tour Championship, which is honoring the game.
HAVE YOUR EVER PLAYED WITH SOMEONE FAMOUS? IF SO, WHO? PLEASE DESCRIBE THE CIRCUMSTANCES:
Putting with Lauren Coughlin was fun. She won two LPGA tournaments this year and that seems famous to me. I also have played with some of the UVA Men's Golf team. I hope those guys go on to become famous.
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO PLAY GOLF WITH A DREAM FOURSOME, WHO WOULD THE OTHER THREE PEOPLE BE?
Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Scottie Scheffler
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS AS IT RELATES TO GOLF? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE:
I like to wear certain hats for different competitions.
WHAT FOOD WOULD YOU SERVE AT YOUR CHAMPIONS DINNER AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL?
Tenderloin steak, french fries, mac n cheese, and a chocolate brownie sundae for dessert. [Vegetables are optional]
DESCRIBE ANY TALENTS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF GOLF:
Building Ultimate Collector Lego sets, speed solving a Rubik’s cube, baseball, and skiing.
HERO / ROLE MODEL(S):
My parents are my role model for character and academics, which also helps with golf.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Only focus on your shot you are facing.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Of course I would love to become a pro golfer, but I will focus on academics to get into a good college and hopefully play golf there.
