PARKER, Colo – High school homecoming festivities are a rite of passage for many teenagers – some even view them as must-attend events.
But for Matai Naqica of Centennial, Colo., there was a more pressing matter this weekend: the Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifier at Colorado Golf Club in Parker, not far from his home.
“I knew I put everything I had into this,” said the 15-year-old sophomore at Columbine High School. “I just really committed to this tournament and felt like I was going to play good today. You’ve got to make sacrifices — like I didn’t go to homecoming last night just to practice here. I’m glad this paid off.”
Naqica was one of four Colorado residents to win his or her age division and advance to the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, which will take place on April 3, 2022, at Augusta National Golf Club.
Colorado Golf Club — which hosted the 2010 Senior PGA Championship, the 2013 Solheim Cup and the 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur — first served as a Drive, Chip and Putt regional site in 2019, but no competitors from the Centennial State advanced to the National Finals that year.
This time, the floodgates opened for the “locals." Joining Naqica (Boys 14-15) in advancing were Sophia Capua of Aurora (Girls 14-15), Anthony Chen of Aurora (Boys 12-13) and Judd Nikkel of Fort Collins (Boys 10-11).
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 14-15 winner Matai Naqica poses with his first place medal during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Isabella Martin hits a drive in the Girls 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Madelyn Dickerson hits a drive in the Girls 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Lauren Wolthuizen gets a hug from her dad after finishing in first place in the Girls’ 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Madelyn Dickerson, Lauren Wolthuizen and Isabella Martin pose on the podium as top finishers during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 7-9 winner Lauren Wolthuizen poses with her medal during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Crew Ortiz (R) congratulates Lincoln Trasamar after Trasamar captured first place in a playoff for the Boys 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Jacob Egan, Lincoln Trasamar and Crew Ortiz pose on the podium as the top finishers in the Boys 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 7-9 winner Lincoln Trasamar poses with his medal during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Natalie Martin (L) is congratulated by her mother and sister Isabella after winning the Girls 10-11 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Natalie Martin (R) is congratulated by her sister Isabella after winning the Girls 10-11 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Natalie Martin (R) is congratulated by her sister Isabella after winning the Girls 10-11 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Rylen Darter, Natalie Martin and Claire Atzbach pose on the podium as the top finishers in the Girls 10-11 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 10-11 division winner Natalie Martin poses during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 10-11 winner Natalie Martin (L) gets a congratulatory hug from her sister and Girls 7-9 runner-up Isabella Martin during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 10-11 winner Natalie Martin (L) gets a congratulatory hug from her sister and Girls 7-9 runner-up Isabella Martin during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Liam Heiberger putts during the boys 10-11 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 12-13 eventual winner Abigail Labrador hits a drive during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 12-13 eventual winner Abigail Labrador hits a drive during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 10-11 winner Judd Nikkel receives his overall first place medal during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Boys 10-11 top finishers Chase Hughes, Judd Nikkel and Garrison Johnson pose on the podium during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 10-11 winner Judd Nikkel poses with his first place medal during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 12-13 eventual second place overall finisher Reese Wallace pumps her fist as she makes a 15-foot putt during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Girls 12-13 top finishers Ava Osborne, Abigail Labrador and Reese Wallace pose on the podium during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 12-13 winner Abagail Labrador poses with her medal during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Brayden Destefano reacts after making a 30-foot putt in the Boys 12-13 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Top finishers in the Boys 12-13 division Mason Lundstrom, Anthony Chen and Jake Strickland pose on the podium during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 12-13 winner Anthony Chen poses with his medal during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 14-15 eventual winner Matai Naqica hits a drive using a long iron during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Girls 14-15 top finishers Anna Eckmann, Sophia Capua and Lauryn Finley pose on the podium during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 14-15 winner Sophia Capua poses with her medal during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Girls 14-15 third place finisher Anna Eckmann, 10-11 first place finisher Natalie Martin and 7-9 second place finisher Isabella Martin pose together on the podium during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. The girls are all from nearby towns in Minnesota. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Boys 14-15 top finishers Jack Spencer, Matai Naqica and Zach Greble pose on the podium during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 10-11 eventual winner Judd Nikkel makes a putt during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Madelyn Dickerson lines up a putt in the Girls 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Sutton Bennett hits a putt in the Girls 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Maisy Shewchuk lines up a putt in the Girls 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Maisy Shewchuk hits a putt in the Girls 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Julia Wiggs hits a putt in the Girls 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 7-9 eventual winner Lauren Wolthuizen hits a putt during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Lilly Mrozik hits a drive in the Girls 10-11 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Mackenzie Wegehaupt hits a drive in the Girls 10-11 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Crew Ortiz hits a drive in the Boys 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Crew Ortiz hits a drive in the Boys 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Crew Ortiz is congratulated by Justin Armstrong of Augusta National after hitting a drive in the Boys 7-9 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 7-9 eventual winner Lincoln Trasamar lines up a putt during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 10-11 eventual winner Judd Nikkel hits a putt during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: A general view of participants warming up during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Yana Wilson reacts after hitting a chip in the Girls 14-15 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 14-15 eventual winner Sophia Capua hits a drive during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 14-15 eventual winner Sophia Capua hits a drive during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Prestin Vilai hits a drive in the Boys 14-15 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Prestin Vilai reacts after hitting a drive for a perfect score of 25 points in the Boys 14-15 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Alysen Blomberg reacts after hitting a putt in the Girls 14-15 division during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: A general view of the scoring area during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 10-11 winner Judd Nikkel poses next to the scoreboard during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Colorado Golf Club
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 14-15 winner Matai Naqica is congratulated a member of Colorado Golf Club during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
So even though Sunday’s regional field featured competitors from 16 states plus Canada, half of the eight National Finals qualifiers were from Colorado. To put that into perspective, in the seven National Finals held to date, just six Colorado players have advanced to Augusta National. It doesn’t take much to guess the reaction of these latest qualifiers who will compete at the home of the Masters in April.
The feeling of going to Augusta is really extraordinary. I can’t wait to go there.
“It’s the greatest feeling I’ve probably ever felt,” Naqica said. “The feeling of going to Augusta is really extraordinary. I can’t wait to go there.”
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Boys 14-15 winner Matai Naqica is congratulated a member of Colorado Golf Club during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
Added Capua: “It means a lot to me, honestly. I was really, really nervous today.”
A fifth Colorado player very nearly qualified for the National Finals as well. Crew Ortiz of Colorado Springs, whose brother Grady Ortiz was a 2019 National Finalist, came up just short, losing in a playoff to Lincoln Trasamar of Sioux Falls, S.D., for the Boys 7-9 title.
Naqica noted that this is his seventh year competing in Drive, Chip and Putt and his fifth time advancing through the local and subregional level to the regional qualifier. Now at the maximum age of 15, he’ll compete in the National Finals for the first time.
PARKER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Girls 14-15 eventual winner Sophia Capua hits a drive during the regional round of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Colorado Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Parker, Colorado. Regional winners will advance to the finals at Augusta National next April.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images for Drive, Chip and Putt
“This is my last year, so it’s going to be like going out like a firework,” Naqica said.
Naqica, whose 163 points on Sunday earned him a 12-point victory, dedicated his play to his high school, Columbine, where a tragic school shooting took place in 1999.
“I did this for Columbine High School,” he said. “I’ll be representing Columbine and the state of Colorado (at the National Finals).”
Capua, another of the advancing Colorado players, prevailed in the Girls 14-15 division by nine points, and among those she beat was Yana Wilson of Henderson, Nev., a two-time Drive, Chip and Putt National Champion in the Girls 12-13 division. Wilson finished fourth at Colorado Golf Club.
In the Boys 12-13 division, Chen racked up more points (164) than any other golfer at Colorado Golf Club. He won by a whopping 26 points.
“I was kind of nervous today, but mostly just excited because Drive, Chip and Putt is mostly just for fun,” the 12-year-old said. “I already made it really far, so I didn’t want to put pressure on myself.”
Similar to Chen, Nikkel racked up more points (142) than he ever had in a Drive, Chip and Putt event.
“I’m definitely proud of myself for making it this far, then going to Augusta,” the 10-year-old said. “I put in the work for it, so I feel really good.”
All told, players from three states cornered the market on National Finals berths. Two qualifiers hailed from Sioux City, S.D. — Trasamar (Boys 7-9) and Lauren Wolthuizen (Girls 7-9) — and two from Minnesota – Natalie Martin of Park Rapids (Girls 10-11) and Abigail Labrador of Albertville (Girls 12-13). The South Dakota players and their families drove 20 hours round-trip to compete on Sunday for about a half-hour each.
From the standpoint of Colorado Golf Club, now a two-time Drive, Chip and Putt regional host, the initiative’s mission of providing a fun pathway to getting more kids into the game is a compelling one.
“Being back here, it’s such an honor for Colorado Golf Club to host this,” Matt Kellogg, the club’s president, said on Sunday, when he and his wife helped hand out the awards. “Giving back to the game is really important to Colorado Golf Club. … Our club has really embraced this. This is the most pure form of being able to give back to the game of golf.”
