SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Light rain began falling shortly after the first crack of the driver rang out at TPC Scottsdale in the Girls 7-9 division of Drive, Chip and Putt regionals and never let up. However, the unfazed field easily adjusted like water off a duck’s back.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jessica Hoerr and Sherri Lin of the girls 7-9 category react to winning first and second overall during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
Jessica Hoerr, 9, of Phoenix didn’t even bring it up. She cruised to victory in her division thanks to a hot putter and great vibes from a win the day before at Girls Golf Day, the biggest annual event for LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix. Turns out that four years ago, Girls Golf Day and a new set of clubs from grandpa touched off the whole affair.
Jessica’s mom, Danielle, explained that her grandpa won a $500 gift certificate from a sporting goods store and “thought Jessica should play golf.”
“Girls Golf Day happened to be coming up, so we signed up and showed up wearing jeans; we didn’t know anything at all about golf,” said Danielle, who didn’t realize the tournament portion of the day was for course-ready girls.
Girls Golf of Phoenix director Cori Matheson spotted them from a mile away and quickly accommodated Jessica, unwilling to send her away empty-handed.
“She gave us a really quick class, and Jessica played a one-hole tournament,” Danielle said.
“And I won!” added Jessica.
That gesture sparked Jessica’s passion for golf, which four years later set up a trip to Augusta National for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on April 3, 2022. The Hoerr family already has ties to Augusta, Ga., with Danielle having met her husband Mike there while serving in the Army.
“We were both stationed at Fort Gordon,” Danielle said. “This is going to be so fun. Neither one of us has been back since.”
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tara Liu of the girls 7-9 category attempts a drive during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Khloe Kumamoto of the girls 7-9 category poses for a photo with family and friends during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Isla Hyatt of the girls 7-9 category warms up on the practice green prior to the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Rock Kuperman of the boys 7-9 category on the practice green prior to the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A volunteer fist bumps a participant during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Khloe Kumamoto of the girls 7-9 category attempts a drive during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Khloe Kumamoto of the girls 7-9 category attempts a drive during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jessica Hoerr of the girls 7-9 category attempts a drive during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Sherri (Xiaochen) Lin lines up a putt during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Detail of the putting green scoring rings during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Michael Diaz attempts a chip during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Colby Butler attempts a chip during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Marcus Lin of the 7-9 boys category putts during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Gabriella Collelo attempts a chip during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Leo Saito attempts a chip during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Thomas Whitten reacts to a chip during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Leo Saito retrieves his ball after putting during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kaitlyn Moreland attempts a chip during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kaitlyn Moreland high fives a volunteer during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Maleah Clark attmepts a drive during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Pierson Huyck reacts to a putt during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A competitor warms up on the practice putting green during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A competitor talks with her family during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A volunteer gives a competitor a fist bump during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A competitor walks to the next green during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Liam Hartling of the boys 14-15 category reacts to a putt during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jay Nergard of the boys 14-15 category reacts to a putt during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jay Nergard of the boys 14-15 category reacts to a putt during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jay Nergard's family reacts to his putt during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of the putting green during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of the driving area during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of the registration table during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of the practice putting area during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of the driving range during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of the practice putting area during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of the girls 7-9 category during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jessica Hoerr's mother watches her compete in the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jessica Hoerr of the girls 7-9 category gets a kiss from her mother during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of spectators during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of spectators during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of spectators during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Girls 7-9 competitors in the scoring area during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jessica Hoerr and Sherri Lin of the girls 7-9 category react to winning first and second overall during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: The girls 7-9 participants pose with the scoreboard during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First, second and third overall for the girls 7-9 category Jessica Hoerr, Sherri Lin and Henley Grove pose with their medals after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First place overall for the girls 7-9 category Jessica Hoerr poses with her medal after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Bradyn Peterson of the boys 7-9 category reacts to winning third overall during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Third overall for the boys 7-9 category Bradyn Peterson celebrates with his mother during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Bryan Xie of the boys 7-9 category celebrates with his family after winning first overall during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First, second, and third overall for boys 7-9 category Bryan Xie, Marcus Lin and Bradyn Peterson pose with their medals after during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First place overall for the boys 7-9 category Bryan Xie poses with his medal after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A volunteer holds an umbrella for a competitor during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Annika Raja of the girls 10-11 category attempts a chip during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A competitor attempts a drive during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of spectators during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First, second and third overall for the girls 10-11 category Amber Lee, Annika Raja and Caroline Brooks pose with their medals during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the girls 10-11 category Amber Lee poses with her medal after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the girls 10-11 category Amber Lee poses with her ticket to Augusta after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Caleb Schmersahl signs his scorecard during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First, second and third overall for the boys 10-11 category Leo Saito, Blake Nakagawa and Pierson Huyck pose with their medals during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall fir the boys 10-11 category Leo Saito poses with his medal after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the boys 10-11 category Leo Saito poses with his ticket to Augusta after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view fo the putting green during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of the putting green during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of spectators during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of the scoring area during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Ella Igtanloc celebrates with her family after winning first overall for the girls 12-13 category after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First and third overall for the girls 12-13 category Ella Igtanloc and Fay Jia pose with their medals after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the girls 12-13 category Ella Igtanloc poses with her medal after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First place overall for the girls 12-13 category Ella Igtanloc poses with her ticket to Augusta after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Keita Yobika of the boys 12-13 category attmepts a putt during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of spectators during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First, second and third overall for the boys 12-13 category Keita Yobika, Lakota Lee and Connor Szczechowicz pose with their medals after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the boys 12-13 category Keita Yobika poses with his medal after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the boys 12-13 category Keita Yobika poses with his ticket to Augusta after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of spectators during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of spectators during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A general view of spectators during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the girls 14-15 category Ella Walsh is congratulated by her family after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First, second and third overall for the girls 14-15 category Ella Walsh, Jude Lee and Ava Cepeda pose with their medals after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the girls 14-15 category Ella Walsh poses with her medal after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the girls 14-15 category Ella Walsh poses with her ticket to Augusta after the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: A detail shot of the rain during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jay Nergard reacts to winning first overall for the boys 14-15 category during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jay Nergard reacts to winning first overall for the boys 14-15 category during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the boys 14-15 category Jay Nergard poses with his ticket to Augusta during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First overall for the boys 14-15 category Jay Nergard poses with his medal during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - TPC Scottsdale
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: First, second and third overall for the boys 14-15 category Jay Nergard, Liam Hartling and Christopher Riddle pose with their medals during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
Shortly after Hoerr’s victory, Bryan Xie of Diamond Bar, Calif., qualified for the National Finals out of the Boys 7-9 division with a 110-point total that left him seven points clear of his closest competitor.
In the Girls 10-11 division, Amber Lee, 10, of Alta Loma, Calif., worked her way through the stations, picking up 31 points in driving and 45 points in chipping before finishing off the competition with 55 points in her favorite skill: putting. Lee said she is “very excited to be going to Augusta,” and is looking forward to testing her putting stroke on “really fast greens.”
In the Boys 10-11 division, Leo Saito, 10, of Hilo, Hawaii, strapped on the white golf cap recommended by his grandma and put together a well-rounded 142-point performance, outlasting a pair of hard-charging competitors who posted 70 and 75 points respectively in the putting category alone.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Leo Saito attempts a chip during the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at TPC Scottsdale on September 26, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Kelsey Grant/Getty Images
“Today his lucky color was white,” said Leo’s mother. “His grandma in Japan – she called him to say, ‘Your lucky color is white, so wear the white hat.’”
Luck aside, it was the hard numbers that added up for Ella Igtanloc’s win in the Girls 12-13 division. The San Gabriel, Calif., resident, whose favorite subject in school is math, won both the chipping and putting skills en route to a 10-point victory. After what she thought was “really average chipping,” she admitted to being “so surprised that I actually got to Augusta National.”
Keita Yobiko, 12, of West Covino, Calif., simply outran the competition in the Boys 12-13 division by a whopping 53 points. He won the driving and chipping skills on his way to a final score of 171. Yobiko said he was excited and half nervous to compete at Augusta National, where his idol Hideki Matsuyama earned the Green Jacket this past April as 2021 Masters champion.
“I met him once when I was a kid, maybe 4 or 5 [years old], at the Genesis Open,” said Keita.
Keita’s father recalled that while everyone else was huddled around big names like Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson, “he wanted to watch Hideki’s chipping practice.”
Getting better at golf really gave me the motivation
Ella Walsh, 14, of Tucson, Ariz., saved the best for last in the Girls 14-15 division. She scored 60 points in the putting challenge to win her division by a 14-point margin at 144. She’s headed to Augusta National with momentum from her success at local junior tournaments and likens herself a shot maker who relishes “the fact that there’s so many shots in golf, so many shots you can play, so many different scenarios.”
Accuracy with driver in hand can be a struggle, and after straightening out a “huge duck hook” on the practice tee, Jay Nergard, 15, leaned on his short game to earn the victory in the Boys 14-15 division. The Phoenix resident shrugged off a drive that faded about two feet out of the grid and found another gear with his short game to score 50 points in chipping and 60 in putting.
“This is good preparation for actual golf, but actual golf doesn’t prepare you for this,” Nergard said.
Nergard has been preparing since age 6, but he didn’t get serious until age 12 when his parents connected him with a swing coach.
“Getting better at golf really gave me the motivation,” he said.
Despite the gloomy weather, sunny dispositions seemed to swirl around every one of the National Finalists. Stories were heard around the grounds of long hours practicing and playing, competitions in the rain and stifling heat – all without a single gripe. It will take more than a rainy day to dash their dreams of competing at Augusta National.
