2025 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Sajen Hodge
Richmond
,
Virginia
Age: 10 - 11
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:
Richmond, VA
HOME GOLF COURSE AND LOCATION:
The Dominion Club, Glen Allen, VA
PLAY GOLF RIGHT OR LEFT HANDED:
Right
AGE STARTED PLAYING GOLF:
1.5 years old
LOWEST SCORE SHOT (9 AND/OR 18 HOLES):
9 holes - 30, 18 holes - 65
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN GOLF?
I started playing when I was 1.5 years old. My grandma gave me plastic clubs. Later that year, my dad took me to the driving range, and immediately, I was asking for 'mo balls.' I was hooked.
WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF?
My dad and my grandma.
WHO DO YOU NORMALLY PLAY GOLF WITH?
My dad, my brothers, or friends in tournaments.
WHO IS YOUR GOLF INSTRUCTOR?
Ed Gill, Lynn Myers and Gavin Parker
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PLAYING GOLF?
Golf is fun, exciting, and enjoyable. It’s relaxing. It's great to be outdoors. Most importantly, I love the competition, whether in a tournament or just trying to improve my own score.
WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT GOLF?
Hitting recovery shots, e.g., out of the trees or pine straw. You can’t practice these shots without getting out there and playing a round.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF CLUB?
I love my 4 iron! I can hit that one really far. In fact, I like all my irons!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD?
Although I have never played there, the 7th hole at Pebble Beach looks incredible. It's a down hill par three. I would love to play that course one day.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN GOLF SO FAR?
Going to Augusta National for DCP National Finals
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER JUNIORS PARTICIPATING IN DCP WHO ARE TRYING TO REACH THE NATIONAL FINALS?
Focus on putting and chipping. You can get the most points on these two elements of the competition.
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE?
Yes
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT?
It's a different format from tournament golf. And I get to really practice and work on certain skills. Playing at Augusta National - that's pretty awesome, too.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM YOUR LOCAL, SUBREGIONAL OR REGIONAL QUALIFIERS:
Making the 30 foot putt at both the local and regional qualifiers!
HAVE YOU TRIED TO QUALIFIY FOR DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT IN THE PAST? IF SO, PLEASE LIST EACH YEAR AND YOUR PREVIOUS RESULTS:
Yes, for the last 3 years, I have always gone out in the sub-regional and never made it to the Regional, missing by only a few points. I didn't participate my first eligible year, due to COVID (DCP was cancelled).
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, I loved watching the DCP Finals. Being on TV is so cool - I can't wait!
LIST FROM STRONGEST TO WEAKEST – DRIVING, CHIPPING, PUTTING:
Driving, Putting, Chipping
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF ACCESSORY (HAT, HEADCOVER, BALL MARKER, ETC.)?
I love collecting ball markers from each course I play.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Tiger, when I was a toddler I would watch 'Tiger Woods Best Shots' on You Tube every night before bed. Tiger is the GOAT - he's won 15 majors and he's simply the best.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Alexa Pano because I watched her on The Short Game and now she's made it to the LPGA tour.
WHO IS THE COOLEST PLAYER IN GOLF, AND WHY?
Max Homa, because he is funny!
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO PLAY GOLF WITH A DREAM FOURSOME, WHO WOULD THE OTHER THREE PEOPLE BE?
Tiger, Scottie, Max Homa
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS AS IT RELATES TO GOLF? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE:
Never use the ball marker from the course you are currently playing.
WHAT FOOD WOULD YOU SERVE AT YOUR CHAMPIONS DINNER AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL?
Sushi and Lemon Cake for dessert.
DESCRIBE ANY TALENTS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF GOLF:
Basketball, Tennis, Art
HERO / ROLE MODEL(S):
Tiger, watching him make exciting shots made me want to make those type of shots too.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
My dad tells me just go play golf and have fun!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Pro Golfer
