ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Joseph Morinelli wakes up each morning to a map of Augusta National Golf Club and a huge sticker in the shape of the Masters flag, both of which are plastered across his bedroom wall. An Augusta-themed shower curtain hangs in his bathroom. Morinelli, winner of the Boys 14-15 division at the Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifier hosted by Oak Hill Country Club, and his family could not be more ready to return to Augusta National Golf Club. He’s never competed in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, but he was born in Augusta, Ga., and spent the first six years of his life in the iconic golf city.
The Morinellis now live in Crozet, Va., but a full cheering section of friends and family – including Joseph’s grandparents – will greet them this April ahead of the National Finals. Golf aside, the family is looking forward to spending some time close to family, especially with Morinelli’s grandfather, who has terminal brain cancer.
Morinelli spent most of his preparation time for the Drive, Chip and Putt regional on the practice putting green. Practice paid off as he holed his 6-foot and 30-foot putts to roars of celebration from onlookers and fellow competitors. He scored a division-best 70 of his 161 total points on the putting green.
“I knew I was going into putting down a good bit and had to make up some strokes,” Morinelli said. “I was pretty nervous, but knew I had to settle to make the putt. I was just doing the math in my head of how many points I had to make up. I had to make the 30-footer and get 25 points, and I did it.”
The 14-year-old didn’t have much time to celebrate as the forecasted rain, which had held off for most of the day, began trickling down, and the family had to rush to the airport to get home.
“I gotta go catch a plane, but I’ll be celebrating with my high school golf team when I get home,” said Morinelli, who plays for Western Albemarle.
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: The Oak Hill clock during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A competitor from the girls 10-11 division lines up her putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Tri Nguyen Jr
competes in the Chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Joseph Morinelli from the boys 14-15 division watches his drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Meredith Finger from the girls 14-15 division reacts after sinking a putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Joseph Morinelli from the boys 14-15 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Ezekiel Wong
from the boys 7-9 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Jameson Mather from the boys 7-9 division and Ben Mather watch the action during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Katelyn Burks from the girls 7-9 division hits a drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Keziah Swan from the girls 10-11 division competes in the chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Connor Michaels from the boys 7-9 division warms up during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: From left: Soleil Lindholm, Angelina Chang and Katelyn Burks from the girls 7-9 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: James Manfreda from the boys 12-13 division reacts after sinking a putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Madeline Kauffman
from the girls 7-9 division watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A competitor from the boys 12-13 division watches a driveduring the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: People watch the Drive event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Adelyn Rosado warms up during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A volunteer updates the scoreboard during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Isabella Anderson
from the girls 14-15 division watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: People watch from a hill during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Conrad Henggeler, Logan McGinn, and Landon Tudor from the boys 10-11 division
during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A medal is shown on a table during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Meredith Finger from the girls 14-15 division reacts after sinking a putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Madison Koshko from the girls 14-15 division watches a drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Ian Rotto from the boys 12-13 division lines up a putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Boys from the 14-15 division warm up during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Jossalyn Pentz from the girls 7-9 division smiles after putting during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Elliott Skurski
from the boys 7-9 division warms up during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: From left: Connor Michaels, Ezekiel Wong and Elliott Skurski from the boys 7-9 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A contestant warms up during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Logan McGinn from the boys 10-11 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Katelyn Bodge from the girls 10-11 division competes in the chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Katelyn Burks poses for a selfie during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Elisha Yim from the girls 10-11 division watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Elisha Yim from the girls 10-11 division competes in the chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: People watch the Chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Contestants watch a putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Charlize Lin from the girls 14-15 division watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Soleil Lindholm from the girls 7-9 division hits a drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Malaya Johnson from the girls 12-13 division competes in the Chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Kaylan Green from the girls 12-13 division watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Competitors practice putting during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A competitor watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Meredith Finger from the girls 14-15 division watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: People check out the Wanamaker Trophy during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Elisha Yim from the girls 10-11 division watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Adelyn Rosado from the girls 10-11 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Valentina Aguilar from the girls 7-9 division and Jose Aguilar talk during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Connor Michaels from the boys 7-9 division putts during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A volunteer updates the scoreboards during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael W. D'amico III from the boys 12-13 division warms up during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Alexandra Engart
from the girls 14-15 division competes in the Chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A medal is shown on a table during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Katelyn Burks from the girls 7-9 division practices putting during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A ball nears the tee during the Chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Joseph Friedman from the boys 12-13 division watches his drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Julianna Ishii from the girls 14-15 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Angelina Chang
from the girls 7-9 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Competitors from the from the boys 10-11 division talk during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: London Foglia, Adelyn Rosado and Madison Do from the girls 10-11 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Macie Rasmussen from the girls 12-13 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Aiden Cooper from the boys 7-9 division prepares to putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: People walk by the Oak Hills clock during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Jakob Vandolder
from the boys 10-11 division hits his drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Ben Julie from the boys 12-13 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Ben Julie from the boys 12-13 division watches his drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Soleil Lindholm from the girls 7-9 division hits a drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Maksym Babak from the boys 10-11 division watches his drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: London Foglia from the girls 10-11 division gets an award during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Mallory Michener from the girls 10-11 division competes in the chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Raymond and Adelyn Rosado talk during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Isabella Anderson
from the girls 14-15 division watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Ian Rotto from the boys 12-13 division hits a drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Elliott Skurski from the boys 7-9 division watches his drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Angelina Chang from the girls 7-9 division lines up her putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Kamden Watson from the boys 7-9 division tees off during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Kallie McKeegan, Macie Rasmussen and Sophie Cao from the girls 12-13 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Angelina Chang from the girls 7-9 division gets her first place award during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A flag waves during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A flag waves during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Alyssa Zhang from the girls 12-13 division competes in the Chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Wyatt Underwood, Ben Julie, and Dawson Lew from the boys 12-13 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Madeline Kauffman
from the girls 7-9 division watches her drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A contestant watches the scoreboards during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A banner waves during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Alyssa Zhang from the girls 12-13 division competes in the Chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Grant Christiansen from the boys 14-15 division watches his drive during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Luca Rinaldi, Joseph Morinelli, and Jason Mack from the boys 14-15 division
during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: A volunteer updates the scoreboards during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Madison Do from the girls 10-11 division competes in the chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Ben Julie from the boys 12-13 division watches his putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Meredith Finger, Julianna Ishii, and Aurora Yoo from the girls 14-15 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Malaya Johnson from the girls 12-13 division competes in the Chip event during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Raymond Rosado and Adelyn Rosado from the girls 10-11 division hug during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Oak Hill Country Club
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Aiden Cooper from the boys 7-9 division prepares to putt during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
The Oak Hill regional was anything but tame as the competitors navigated impending rainstorms and gusts of powerful headwinds during the driving competition. Possibly drawing inspiration from the Wanamaker Trophy, the prize given to the winner of the PGA Championship sitting just a few yards away from the winners’ podium, and undoubtedly motivated by a shared goal of advancing to the National Finals at Augusta National on April 2, 2023, these golfers came to compete.
Augusta is the number one place I want to go.
Logan McGinn
Tensions were high as the 96 juniors competed at the site of the 2023 PGA Championship. But Logan McGinn, winner of the Boys 10-11 division, is comfortable under pressure. When he’s not playing golf or watching his favorite player Jordan Spieth, he’s the quarterback for his football team at home in South Williamsport, Pa. He had to miss a game on Sunday to compete at Oak Hill, but said he was excited to share the news of his regional win with them.
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Logan McGinn from the boys 10-11 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
“They’re going to ask where I was because they know I had to miss the game,” McGinn said. “I can’t wait to tell them that I won, they’re going to be super excited for me.”
McGinn’s Mom, Nicole, and his 11-month-old sister Laney – Logan’s good luck charm – were in Rochester on Sunday cheering him on. Laney puts a smile on her big brother’s face and helps him regroup while competing.
With help from Laney and the countless hours of practice he put into preparing for this event, Logan McGinn was able to recover from a missed fairway in the drive competition that put him behind after the first round. The 10-year-old went on to earn the most points in his division in the chipping and putting skills, which included a holed putt on his first attempt. He finished the day with a 131-point total to win the division by six points and advance to the National Finals in April.
“Augusta is the number one place I want to go,” McGinn said. “So it’ll be amazing going.”
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Ezekiel Wong
from the boys 7-9 division during the Drive, Chip & Putt regional qualifier at Oak Hill Country Club on September 18, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Joshua Bessex/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship
Of the eight players who topped their respective divisions on Sunday, none have previously competed at Augusta National. A few have attended the event to cheer on siblings or friends, including Boys 7-9 division winner Ezekiel Wong of Markham, Ontario, Canada, who was too young to remember much when he was there to support his sister Mia in 2017. He does, however, remember being so impressed by the course conditions that the first thing he did was lay down on the plush grass. He’ll use the next few months to gain insight from Mia and practice with his other two sisters to prepare for his shot at Augusta National.
Girls 10-11 division winner Adelyn Rosado was in the gallery at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals last year. Her favorite memory was watching friend Kylie Chung win the Girls 10-11 division and giving her a hug to celebrate.
Rosado, who was wearing red at Oak Hill because it is a lucky color in her Chinese heritage, will likely wear the color again at the National Finals come April. She’ll also have the good-luck-charm ball marker she never plays without.
“My friend Erika from Japan gave it to me at the U.S. Kids tournament,” said Rosado, who was a U.S. Kids Golf world champion in 2020. “It’s a Jack Bunny and I like that it’s turquoise. I have to have it every time I play.”
Junior golf has allowed the 10-year-old to make countless friends from around the world, but she’s most excited to share the news that she’s heading to Augusta with her school friend, Avery, at home in Cary, N.C.
“I’m so proud of myself,” Rosado said. “My friend at school has always wanted to go to Augusta, too, and I can’t wait to tell her that I won the Drive, Chip and Putt Regionals and am going [to Augusta] next year.”
Full event results available here.
About the Finalists
Angelina Chang of Aurora, Ontario, Canada, won the Girls 7-9 division by three points over fellow Canadian competitor Soleil Lindholm of Toronto. “I’m excited to try and win the big trophy [at Augusta],” the bucket-hat-wearing 8-year-old said. “I’ll have to see if my mom and dad will buy me a new shelf because I have no space to put another trophy in my room.”
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After cheering on his sister Mia at the 2017 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, Boys 7-9 division winner Ezekiel Wong leaned on his stellar chipping to earn himself a shot at the iconic course this April. Ezekiel, of Markham, Ontario, Canada, practices with his three sisters at home and traveled to Oak Hill with his sister, Kaia, who finished sixth in the Girls 12-13 division.
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Wearing her lucky color red, Adelyn Rosado of Cary, N.C., bested the field in the Girls 10-11 division with a total of 108 points for the day. She was at Augusta National in 2021 to celebrate friend Kylie Chung’s win in the Girls 10-11 division and hopes to take home the title herself this year.
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“Augusta is the number one place I want to go,” Logan McGinn, of South Williamsport, Pa., said after finishing first in the Boys 10-11 division. “So it’ll be amazing going.” McGinn holed his first putt and guided his first chip to the edge of the hole. Logan had to miss a football game back home but said the team would understand and will be excited to celebrate his win.
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Macie Rasmussen of Chesapeake, Va., left the 2021 regional qualifier at Oak Hill wishing she had a second chance. She made that chance count, returning this year to win the Girls 12-13 division by a whopping 14 points. She hit all three drives farther than 200 yards, burying the memory of last year’s out-of-bounds shot. “When I get nervous, I just take a deep breath and say, ‘You’ve done this a lot of times and you’re going to do fine,’” Rasmussen said.
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By holing both his 6-foot and 15-foot putts, Dawson Lew of Toronto forced a playoff to determine the winner of the Boys 12-13 division. He faced off against fellow Canadian Ben Julie of Fenwick, Ontario, as each hit one additional drive, putt and chip. Lew won the playoff by a single point to earn a trip to Augusta National. “Most of the time my hands were shaking,” Lew said. “But it was pretty fun being in a playoff with Ben, he’s a good player.”
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Julianna Ishii of Cockeysville, Md., will celebrate her win in the Girls 14-15 division with her horse named Fish. Ishii’s horse is her key to managing nerves during competition. “Horseback riding is similar to putting,” Ishii said. “If you’re nervous or have too much in your brain, you’re not going to putt well. If you are nervous around a horse, it’s also not going to go well. They can sense it.”
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Joseph Morinelli, winner of the Boys 14-15 division, will feel right at home at the National Finals in April. He was born in Augusta, Ga., and while his family now resides in Crozet, Va., Morinelli has an Augusta-themed bedroom at home. He holed two of his three putts in the competition to secure his spot in the National Finals and was excited to get on the road to celebrate with his friends at home. “I gotta go catch a plane, but I’ll be celebrating with my high school golf team [Western Albemarle] when I get home,” Morinelli said.
