2026 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship
Audrey Lu
Woodbridge
,
Ontario
Age: 12 - 13
Gender: Girls
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:
Right Handed
AGE STARTED PLAYING GOLF:
5.5 yrs
LOWEST SCORE SHOT (9 AND/OR 18 HOLES):
-10 (18 holes)
HANDICAP INDEX:
+3.3
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN GOLF?
I found myself loving the sport after my first summer golf camp. I just couldn’t stop bombing drives!
WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO GOLF?
My mom
WHO DO YOU NORMALLY PLAY GOLF WITH?
My golf friends from my club and my academy.
WHO IS YOUR GOLF INSTRUCTOR?
Coach Lee
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PLAYING GOLF?
I love that every round is a new challenge. Golf makes me focus, stay calm and try to improve a little bit every day. I also love meeting new friends and traveling to different courses all around the world.
WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT GOLF?
Definitely the mental game.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF CLUB?
It has got to be my putter, it has helped me a lot; like winning the playoff to get here!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD?
Augusta National! It's so beautiful and full of historical moments!
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN GOLF SO FAR?
Qualifying for the 2026 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER JUNIORS PARTICIPATING IN DCP WHO ARE TRYING TO REACH THE NATIONAL FINALS?
Always try your best, never give up and most importantly, believe in yourself.
DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN FIRST TEE?
Yes.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT?
I love the excitement of the competition and meeting other golfers from different places. It’s really fun to test my skills and see how I’ve improved each year.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM YOUR LOCAL, SUBREGIONAL OR REGIONAL QUALIFIERS:
Winning at Valhalla Golf Club was my favorite moment! When they announced my name as Regional Champion, it was unreal. It was insane to know I was going to Augusta!
HAVE YOU TRIED TO QUALIFIY FOR DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT IN THE PAST? IF SO, PLEASE LIST EACH YEAR AND YOUR PREVIOUS RESULTS:
2023: Reached Subregional, 2024: Reached Subregional, 2025: Won Regionals at Valhalla Golf Club and qualified for the National Finals at Augusta!
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 watch it every year on Golf Channel! Seeing my golf friends compete at Augusta made me want to work harder so I could be there too. It really motivated me!
LIST FROM STRONGEST TO WEAKEST – DRIVING, CHIPPING, PUTTING:
Putting, driving, chipping
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF ACCESSORY (HAT, HEADCOVER, BALL MARKER, ETC.)?
My Masters ball marker!
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Rory Mcllroy! I admire how he stays humble and continues to work hard even after major successes.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE GOLFER, AND WHY?
Nelly Korda! She’s not only a top athlete but also a great role model for young golfers.
WHO IS THE COOLEST PLAYER IN GOLF, AND WHY?
Tiger Woods! He makes golf exciting and has inspired so many players all over the world.
HAVE YOUR EVER PLAYED WITH SOMEONE FAMOUS? IF SO, WHO? PLEASE DESCRIBE THE CIRCUMSTANCES:
I’ve played practice rounds with some of the top junior golfers in Canada and the U.S. They’re really talented, and I’ve learned a lot from watching how they focus and stay confident.
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO PLAY GOLF WITH A DREAM FOURSOME, WHO WOULD THE OTHER THREE PEOPLE BE?
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Nelly Korda!
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS AS IT RELATES TO GOLF? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE:
Yes! I always listen to my special playlist before I play. It hypes me up and gives me motivation!
WHAT FOOD WOULD YOU SERVE AT YOUR CHAMPIONS DINNER AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL?
Any type of Asian cuisine, such as dim sum, sushi and tteokbokki!
DESCRIBE ANY TALENTS OR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF GOLF:
I am also an award-winning artist and dancer!
HERO / ROLE MODEL(S):
My parents and my family. They love me and support me no matter what.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
"You win or you learn."
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
A professional golfer on the LPGA Tour and a proud Chinese Canadian!
DESCRIBE YOURSELF:
A future LPGA player with GRIT!
