The USGA, Masters Tournament and the PGA of America announced that qualifying registration for Drive, Chip and Putt is now officially open.
This fun, free and nationwide youth golf development initiative invites boys and girls, ages 7-15, to participate in local qualifying opportunities in all 50 states throughout the months of May, June, July and August. Entrants will play in girls’ and boys’ divisions in four age categories, with scoring centered around golf’s three fundamental skills (Driving, Chipping and Putting). Top performers at the local level will advance through subregional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September, respectively, at some of the nation’s most acclaimed venues and championship sites. From these qualifiers, 80 finalists – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to compete in the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 7, the eve of the 2019 Masters Tournament.
“The future of our game can be seen in each junior golfer that participates in the 350 Drive, Chip and Putt events across the country,” said Diana Murphy, president of the USGA. “We are grateful for the communities, golf clubs, parents, families and volunteers that encourage each young golfer to participate and chase their dream to compete at the national level.”
“We continue to celebrate the early popularity of Drive, Chip and Putt, and we remain energized by the smiles this program brings to thousands of kids from around the country,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “We are fortunate to partner with two organizations – the USGA and PGA of America – who take a leadership role in the successful management and growth of this initiative and share our enthusiasm for golf’s future.”
“Drive, Chip and Putt is a special opportunity for the game’s new generation, as tens of thousands of girls and boys are able to showcase their golf skills in a fun, exciting and dynamic format,” said PGA President Paul Levy. “Over the past five years, the unique partnership between the PGA of America, USGA and Masters Tournament has provided a sustained impact on these junior golfers at the grassroots level, as they pursue their passion and dream for playing the game. PGA Professionals and our 41 PGA Sections host qualifying events, as we proudly welcome the future of our game to play a game they will love for a lifetime.”
Local qualifying begins Saturday, May 5, 2018. The full breakdown and schedule of 2018 Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying is as follows:
Local (May/June/July/August)
288 host sites spread throughout all 50 states
3 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue
Subregional (July/August)
57 host sites spread throughout 31 states
2 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue
Regional (September)
10 host sites in 10 regions
1 junior advances in each age/gender category from every venue
National Finals (April 7, 2019)
80 total participants at Augusta National Golf Club
The current fifth season of Drive, Chip and Putt will conclude on the eve of the upcoming Masters Tournament, with 80 junior golfers competing in the National Finals at Augusta National on Sunday, April 1. Golf Channel will broadcast the event live.
