Cheetah Baez might only be 9 years old, but she already understands the Augusta National experience.
“I want to have a pimento cheese sandwich and go down Magnolia Lane,” Baez said earlier this week from her home in Tampa, Fla. “I’m also excited to see the pretty flowers, too.”
Baez is one of 80 juniors who will be competing in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club as part of the run-up to the 90th Masters Tournament. The event, which will be televised on Golf Channel from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., is conducted in partnership with the Masters Tournament, USGA and PGA of America. It features boys and girls ages 7-15 across four different age divisions. The skills competition features accuracy in driving, chipping and putting.
“I like the driving because of how far I get to hit the driver,” Baez said.
She has not been doing this long. Her father, Alf, said she began taking golf lessons three years ago at age 6. It was clear she had a special level of talent.
“She’s special because she is my daughter,” Alf Baez said. “But you noticed very quickly that she had determination and commitment. She is very good at golf, but what is important is all the work she does with practicing. She puts in all the work. It’s very intense for a child her age. She practices five, six days a week.”
But Cheetah loves doing it.
“I like to practice,” she said. “I probably practice three or four hours every time I practice.”
And now she gets to compete at Augusta National.
“I cannot describe it,” Alf said. “I’m ecstatic. This is a dream come true. I am looking forward to seeing her stand on the 18th green where all the famous players have stood before. It will be amazing.”
At the regional qualifier at TPC Sawgrass, Baez scored 112 points, which earned her first place. More importantly, though, it got her a chance for a new companion. See, her father agreed that if Cheetah wins the National Finals, she can get a dog.
The name of the dog is open for debate – Cheetah said it would be Charlie; Alf said it should Roberto.
And while a dog – name still to be determined – might be part of her future, it’s another animal that gets almost as much attention as her golf skills. How did she arrive at the name Cheetah?
“Since she was little she has been fascinated with cheetahs,” Alf said of his daughter, whose birth name is Mia. “The golfers have a nickname. There is Tiger and the Golden Bear. Those were already taken. She has always been running around. So her nickname became Cheetah.”
I’m ecstatic. This is a dream come true. I am looking forward to seeing her stand on the 18th green where all the famous players have stood before. It will be amazing.
In addition to her nickname, Cheetah is sure to point out her favorite color is green. That was her mother, Michelle’s, favorite color. Michelle died two years ago.
“My mom’s favorite color was green,” Cheetah said. “And green is very lucky. So I like that – and four-leaf clovers are green, too.”
Her mother’s absence will always be difficult.
“Getting used to being without Mommy,” Baez said when asked about adversity.
But there is also the knowledge of knowing exactly what Michelle would think if she were here to see her daughter at Augusta National Golf Club competing in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.
“I know she would be proud of me,” Baez said.
