2026 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Austin Cox
Louisville
,
KY
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.
PLAY GOLF RIGHT OR LEFT HANDED:
Left handed
AGE STARTED PLAYING GOLF:
2 years old
LOWEST SCORE SHOT (9 AND/OR 18 HOLES):
Two under par
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN GOLF?
I have been swinging a golf club before I have any memories of how or why.
WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF?
My dad
WHO DO YOU NORMALLY PLAY GOLF WITH?
My dad, grandfather, sister, cousin and friends from Big Spring CC (Jr PGA and Operation 36).
WHO IS YOUR GOLF INSTRUCTOR?
Jake Martin, Big Spring Country and the GREAT Operation 36 team at the Country Club.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PLAYING GOLF?
It is the most fun game in the world! I love chipping, putting and being outside on a golf course.
WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT GOLF?
Having to wait for my turn to hit.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF CLUB?
Sand wedge
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD?
Valhalla
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN GOLF SO FAR?
THIS!!! Making the DCP National Finals is a dream.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER JUNIORS PARTICIPATING IN DCP WHO ARE TRYING TO REACH THE NATIONAL FINALS?
Stay calm and focus on the next shot.
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE?
Yes
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT?
Getting to play on legendary courses, Valhalla (Regional Finals) and soon Augusta National!
MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM YOUR LOCAL, SUBREGIONAL OR REGIONAL QUALIFIERS:
Hitting three chips very close at the Regional Finals that replicated the 2024 PGA Championship chip performed at Valhalla by Xander Schauffele on his Championship Sunday.
HAVE YOU TRIED TO QUALIFIY FOR DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT IN THE PAST? IF SO, PLEASE LIST EACH YEAR AND YOUR PREVIOUS RESULTS:
This was my first attempt to qualify 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, my dad put it on for my sister and I. I was excited for the opportunity to compete for this honor.
LIST FROM STRONGEST TO WEAKEST – DRIVING, CHIPPING, PUTTING:
Chipping, putting, driving
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF ACCESSORY (HAT, HEADCOVER, BALL MARKER, ETC.)?
My favorite hat is the 2024 PGA Championship Valhalla hat. I wore it at my Regional Finals at Valhalla for good luck.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Rory McIlory because I loved watching him win the Grand Slam!
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
My sister Allie Cox is so fun to play golf with.
WHO IS THE COOLEST PLAYER IN GOLF, AND WHY?
Justin Thomas, because he’s from Louisville and Harmony Landing Country Club (part of my country club) and ALL of my friends root for him!!
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO PLAY GOLF WITH A DREAM FOURSOME, WHO WOULD THE OTHER THREE PEOPLE BE?
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas
WHAT FOOD WOULD YOU SERVE AT YOUR CHAMPIONS DINNER AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL?
Chicken fingers, fries and Kroger white cookies with sprinkles or Oreo ice cream bars for dessert.
DESCRIBE ANY TALENTS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF GOLF:
I love playing all sports with my siblings and cousins. I run cross country and play basketball for my school.
HERO / ROLE MODEL(S):
My parents
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Take the game one shot at a time.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
PGA golfer (who wins the career Grand Slam like Rory)
DESCRIBE YOURSELF:
Happy, fun-loving golfer with a big smile.
