2026 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Gabriella Collelo
Venice
,
FL
Age: 14 - 15
Gender: Girls
Region: Upper Midwest
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:
Right
AGE STARTED PLAYING GOLF:
4.5
LOWEST SCORE SHOT (9 AND/OR 18 HOLES):
32/68
HANDICAP INDEX:
+0.8
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN GOLF?
My dad bought me a set plastic clubs, he took me to the range and it grew from there.
WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF?
My dad
WHO DO YOU NORMALLY PLAY GOLF WITH?
Friends or people at my club
WHO IS YOUR GOLF INSTRUCTOR?
David Whelan/ My dad
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PLAYING GOLF?
I like to travel around the world, meet new people and play amazing courses.
WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT GOLF?
I think being consistent because you can have a great round one day and a not so good one the next. It can be frustrating.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF CLUB?
Driver
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD?
The Estancia Club in Scottsdale, Arizona
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN GOLF SO FAR?
Making it to Augusta, winning the PKBGT Open Championship (in lots of rain) and winning Sean Foley World Stars.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER JUNIORS PARTICIPATING IN DCP WHO ARE TRYING TO REACH THE NATIONAL FINALS?
I would say just to keep positive, have fun and to remember you are good enough to go to Augusta!
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN LPGA/USGA GIRLS GOLF?
Yes
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT?
Going to Augusta and meeting Rory McIlroy
MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM YOUR LOCAL, SUBREGIONAL OR REGIONAL QUALIFIERS:
My favorite moment was when I realized I am going to Augusta. My dad and I cried happy tears.
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 in 2021 and made it to Regionals, in 2022 I made it again to Regionals, in 2023 I made it to Subregionals and in 2024 I made it to Subregionals.
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 have been watching for many years and have seen many of my friends on TV. It made me want to work harder to achieve my goal of going to Augusta.
LIST FROM STRONGEST TO WEAKEST – DRIVING, CHIPPING, PUTTING:
Putting, driving, chipping
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF ACCESSORY (HAT, HEADCOVER, BALL MARKER, ETC.)?
I have a ball marker with a picture of my dog on it.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Phil Mickelson, he has always been very nice to me. He has sent me autographs and I even got to be a standard bearer!
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Brooke Henderson, she also has been super nice to me. I have an autographed jacket and I even got to meet her at the Chevron Championship!
WHO IS THE COOLEST PLAYER IN GOLF, AND WHY?
Rory McIlroy, he always keeps it entertaining!
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO PLAY GOLF WITH A DREAM FOURSOME, WHO WOULD THE OTHER THREE PEOPLE BE?
Phil Mickelson, Brooke Henderson and Nelly Korda.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS AS IT RELATES TO GOLF? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE:
Yes, I always wear a blue shirt or hat, especially on the last day!
WHAT FOOD WOULD YOU SERVE AT YOUR CHAMPIONS DINNER AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL?
I would serve pizza, with pasta salad and a hot fudge sundae!
DESCRIBE ANY TALENTS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF GOLF:
I like to hang out with friends and family, go bowling or go to theme parks (like Disney or Wisconsin Dells).
DESCRIBE ANY OBSTACLES YOU’VE OVERCOME IN YOUR LIFE:
I have had two major eye surgeries within two years and my dad was diagnosed with cancer.
HERO / ROLE MODEL(S):
My dad
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
"Hard work always pays off even if doesn't happen right away."
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
A professional golfer
DESCRIBE YOURSELF:
I am hard-working, kind, humble and creative.
