KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Gloria Bowens, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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A field of first-time National Finalists advanced from Hualalai Golf Course as Hawaii debuted as a Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifying host. Competitors not only learned something about themselves, but about Hawaii’s kind and tranquil culture, too.
KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — What better way to qualify for Augusta National than to do it in paradise?
On Sunday, 96 young golfers from across the Hawaiian Islands and the southwestern United States gathered at the Hualalai Golf Course, along West Hawaii’s golden coast, for a Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifier. Players in each of eight age divisions competed in a fierce-but-friendly three-skill competition, vying for one of the qualifying spots in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals next spring in Augusta, Georgia. All eight newly-minted National Finalists will be competing at Augusta National for the first time.
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Shido Arasuna (R), boys 10-11, leaves the course with his father after competing in the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Allen Lin, boys 12-13, practices putting before the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: An official gives direction to the players during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Golfers along with their friends and family gather at the medal ceremony for the 10-11 girls during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Golfers participate in the putting competition during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Golfers participate in the putting competition during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Lincoln Broker, girls 10-11, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Concentric circles show the target chipping zone during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Gianna Atencio, girls 12-13, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Lincoln Broker, girls 10-11, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: A golfer hits a putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Addison Kiburz, girls 12-13, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Beckham Keelan, boys 10-11, follows his putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Thrid, first and second place overall for the boys 10-11 age group, Aaron Zhang, Dashiell White and Julian Goldberg pose with their medals during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: first, second and third place medals on display during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Olivia Snow, girls 7-9, lines up a putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Golfers and their chaperones wait for their turn before starting the putting leg during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Fable Williams, girls 10-11, reacts after morning a putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Brendan Moynahan, director of golf at Hualalai, drapes the first place medal on girls 10-11 overalll winner Sophie Lasiter during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Logan Martin , boys 7-9, gestures for his putt to move left during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Fans watch the putting competition during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Girls 10-11 overall winner, Sophie Lasiter, poses with the first place medal during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Second, first and third place overall for the girls 10-11, Ivy Zhou, Sophie Lasiter and Santana Parraz pose with their medals after during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Thrid, first and second place overall for the boys 7-9 division, Patton Green, Luke Ainsworth and Stanley Tanimoto during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Dashiell White, boys 10-11, holds his scorecard during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Fable Williams, girls 10-11, reacts after morning a putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Girls 10-11 overall winner, Sophie Lasiter, poses with the surfboard trophy during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Overall girls 7-9 winner, Charlotte Halstead poses with her surfboard trophy during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Boys 10-11 winner, Dashiell White poses with his medal during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Boys 10-11 winner, Dashiell White, poses for a photo with his surfboard trophy during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Tucker Graumann, boys 7-9, reacts to a putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: The "Drive" station at the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: The "Drive" station at the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Guests walk down the 18th fairway during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: The 18th green during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Gloria Bowens, girls 7-9, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: The drive on the earth path between the 17th and 18th holes during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Siobhan Niu, girls 7-9, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Contestants participate in the chipping portion of the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Contestants participate in the chipping portion of the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: The "Chip" station at the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Siobhan Niu, girls 7-9, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Reagan Santos, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Logan Martin , boys 7-9, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Boys 7-9 participants, Jack Bell, Patton Green and Nathan Reeves pose for a photo during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Siobhan Niu, girls 7-9, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Reagan Santos, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Participants warm up on the driving range before the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Luke Ainsworth, boys 7-9, gets a handshake from Brendan Moynahan, director of golf at Hualalai, after winning his division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Participants warm up on the driving range before the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Jordan Tainter, girls 7-9, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Lehia Abril, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Contestants participate in the chipping portion of the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Contestants participate in the chipping portion of the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Siobhan Niu, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: A tournament official gives Olivia Snow, girls 7-9, her scorecard back during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Siobhan Niu, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Distance markers line the fairway during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Distance markers line the fairway during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Gloria Bowens, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Lehia Abril, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Attendees wait for results in the scoring area during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Medals waiting to be passed out during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: golfers participate putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Siobhan Niu, girls 7-9, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & P
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Concentric circles show the target chipping zone during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & P
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Fable Williams, girls 10-11, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & P
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Sloan Granillo, girls 10-11, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Sloan Granillo, girls 10-11, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Tucker Graumann, boys 7-9, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Officials, Lee Kagawa (L), and Marcus Judge, pose for a photo during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Logan Martin , boys 7-9, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Fable Williams, girls 10-11, chips during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Tucker Graumann, boys 7-9, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Ellie Ji, girls 7-9, lines up a putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Ellie Ji, girls 7-9, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Charlotte Halstead, girls 7-9, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Siobhan Niu, girls 7-9, walks off the green with her mother during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Olivia Snow, girls 7-9, putts during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Olivia Snow, girls 7-9, lines up a putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: an official gives back Tucker Graumann, boys 7-9, his scorecard during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: (L-R) Jordan Tainter, Gloria Bowens and Siobhan Niu, of the girls 7-9, wait on the green during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Second, first and third place overall for the girls 7-9, Siobhan Niu, Charlotte Halstead and Sophia Li, pose with their medals during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Sloan Granillo, girls 10-11, pumps her fist after getting it close during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Overall girls 7-9 winner, Charlotte Halstead poses with her medal during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Nathan Reeves, boys 7-9, watches the monitor for updated results during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Fable Williams, girls 10-11, reacts for her chip during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Ellie Ji, girls 7-9, reacts to her putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Overall boys 7-9 winner, Luke Ainsworth, poses with his surfboard trophy during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Overall boys 7-9 winner, Luke Ainsworth, poses with his medal during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Charlotte Halstead, girls 7-9, reacts to her putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Participants arrive for the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Participants arrive for the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Karinae Peterson, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Participants warm up on the putting green before the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Participants arrive for the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Contestants participate in the chipping portion of the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Volunteers pose for a photo during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Participants arrive for the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Participants arrive for the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Participants warm up on the driving range before the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Jordan Tainter, girls 7-9, tees off during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Golfers get instruction from the officials before beginning the putting segment of the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Brigham Barrett, boys 12-13, practices his putting as his father Kermitt Barrett watches on before the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Golfers take a photo as they are shuttled between holes during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Volunteers and staffers pose for a photo during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Brendan Moynahan, director of golf at Hualalai, poses for a photo with the medals during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Golfers take a photo as they are shuttled between holes during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: A surfboard trophy and kukui nut lei given to age group winners during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Brendan Moynahan, director of golf at Hualalai, drapes the first place medal on girls 12-13 overall winner Isabella Boettcher during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Second, first and third place overall for the girls 14-15, Maria Fernanda Giles, Maya Brown and Ashley Iwalani Jamin, pose with their medals during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Volunteers and staffers pose for a photo during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Tournament officials in action during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Second, first and third place overall for the boys 14-15, Harrison Kim, Anthony Wu and Parker Servoss, pose with their medals during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Volunteers and staffers pose for a photo during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Second, first and third place overall for the boys 12-13, Allen Lin, Travis Elegado and Marcus Lin, pose with their medals during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Dashiell White, boys 10-11, pulls his ball from the hole after draining a putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Second, first and third place overall for the girls 12-13, Kimsey Terrell, Isabella Boettcher and Candace Ung, pose with their medals during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Fans watch the putting competition during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Overall winner for the girls 14-15,, Maya Brown, pose with the surfboard trophy during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Boys 14-15 overall winner, Anthony Wu, poses with his medal during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Beckham Keelan, boys 10-11, gives a little body english as he follows hi putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Travis Elegado, boys 12-13 overall winner pose with the surfboard trophy during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Ella Igtanloc, girls 14-15, poses with her medal during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Maya Brown, girls 14-15, gets a fist bump from an official during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Beckham Keelan, boys 10-11, is comforted after his round at the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Tournament officials pose for a photo during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Girls 12-13 overall winner poses for with her medal during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Boys 14-15 overall winner, Anthony Wu, poses with his surfboard trophy during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Travis Elegado, boys 12-13 overall winner pose with his medal during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Hualalai Golf Course
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Beckham Keelan, boys 10-11, is comforted after his round at the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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Competitors and their families had the unique opportunity to take in one of the crown jewels of Hawaii golf courses for the entire day and walk Hualalai’s minty-green, unblemished links just as professional golfers do each year at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, an annual PGA Tour Champions stop.
Given that this was Hualalai’s first Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifier, everyone involved in the event was nothing short of ecstatic, especially lead local organizer Wesley Wailehua, the executive director and CEO of the Aloha Section of the PGA of America.
“This has been about six years in the making — working with our joint partners Augusta National and USGA to try to host an event here in the islands every year,” he said.
“I think it’s also a great opportunity for our young golfers to travel and experience Hawaii, while also getting to learn a little bit about its culture. We’re really happy to host here, and we definitely hope to host again in the future.”
Seeing all of his hard work and effort come to a conclusion and enjoying the moment while giving him a lifetime memory is something I’m very much looking forward to.
Louise White, Mother of Boys 10-11 champion, Dashiell White
Many of the competitors made their first visit to Hawaii,and all eight qualifiers will be making their first trip to Augusta National Golf Club in April, including Girls 14-15 division winner Maya Brown of Thousand Oaks, Calif. After finishing with a total score of 148 points, Brown admitted she was nervous, especially over her final putt of the day. Neck and neck with Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Giles, Brown needed to sink two of her three putt attempts to win the division.
Brown made the first putt but missed the second and had to sink the final putt from 30 feet to punch her ticket to Augusta.
“In my head, I was running numbers trying to figure out what she needed to win,” Brown’s father, Mike, recalled. “(Fernanda Giles) was playing very well.”
“I’ve never hit a putt like that before,” Maya added. “So I just told myself, ‘Hit it and see what happens.’”
Maya sank it.
“My heart stopped for a second, and I could only think, ‘Whoa,’” Maya said after making the long putt to win her age group by a single point. She earned 60 points in the putting category and won that skill, too.
“It made me really proud that she was able to stay calm; it was pretty surreal seeing her make that putt,” Mike added.
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Overall winner for the girls 14-15,, Maya Brown, pose with the surfboard trophy during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
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Before Sunday’s qualifier, competitors were invited to partake in a Hawaiian cultural event and learn about the state’s beauty, tranquility and family feel. Maya and her family participated, but she said they all felt the Aloha Spirit from the second their plane touched down in Kona.
“Everybody here is super nice. I like the acronym for Aloha,” Maya said, referencing the word each letter represents: “Akahai,” meaning kindness; “Lokahi,” meaning unity; “Oluolu,” meaning agreeable; “Haahaa,” meaning humility; and “Ahonui,” meaning patience.
“It's very smart and clever. It's very meaningful.”
Added Mike, “This place is beautiful. We played the course here Saturday, and we've never been on a nicer course.”
Luke Ainsworth of White Rock, N.M., winner of the Boys 7-9 division with 139 total points, mirrored Maya Brown’s thoughts as a first-timer in Hawaii himself.
“It was really exciting to see the ocean and how it was right in front of me,” he said, referencing Nos. 16 and 17 that sit right along Kona’s turquoise waters.
“It’s amazing, we love it here,” Ainsworth’s mother, Erika, added. “We took a family vacation. The ocean is amazing and everyone is so hospitable.”
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Luke Ainsworth, boys 7-9, gets a handshake from Brendan Moynahan, director of golf at Hualalai, after winning his division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & P
Ainsworth’s top skill of the day was putting. He made all three putts for a perfect score of 75 points in that competition.
“I was nervous, but I did what I had to do,” he said. “But I didn’t know that was going to happen so I was excited that I made all three putts.”
Ainsworth’s father, Andy, called the competition nerve-wracking from a parent’s perspective.
“Only having nine shots makes it tough, but he had a lot of great moments,” Andy said. “He actually missed the grid on a drive, but he kept his composure. And I’m super proud of him.”
A few of the qualifiers had been to Hawaii before, including Girls 10-11 division winner Sophie Lasiter from Los Angeles. In fact, Sunday was a full-circle moment for the Lasiter family. Ironically enough, a portrait hangs in the Lasiter's living room showing Sophie’s parents, John and Angeline, holding 2-year-old Sophie on the fringe of Hualalai’s 18th hole. It's where Sophie ended her day and officially clinched a spot at the National Finals.
“We were both golfers playing 36 holes at a time,” John said of his and Angeline’s relationship. “Then one day we said, ‘Why don’t we just have some future LPGA and PGA players?’”
Sophie enjoyed learning about the Aloha Spirit while competing on the island and admired the “humbleness and kindness” the cultural practice encourages.
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 20: Brendan Moynahan, director of golf at Hualalai, drapes the first place medal on girls 10-11 overalll winner Sophie Lasiter during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Hualalai Golf Club on October 20, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Darryl Oumi/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & P
Travis Elegado of Monrovia, Calif., who won the Boys 12-13 competition with a score of 151 points, was happy to return to the island as well. Elegado has vacationed in Hawaii, but never played golf there.
“I’m very glad they had it here,” Elegado said. “Who wouldn’t want to come play in Hawaii?”
Elegado’s mother, Aileen, gushed over the location, too.
“The way (Drive, Chip and Putt) welcomed the kids is something not only Travis and all the kids will remember, but us parents as well,” she said.
Upon finishing the competition, each age group winner was asked who was more excited for their upcoming trip to Augusta — them or their parents. Unsurprisingly, all eight unanimously voted for the latter.
“Seeing all of his hard work and effort come to a conclusion and enjoying the moment while giving him a lifetime memory is something I’m very much looking forward to,” said Dashiell White’s mother, Louise. Dashiell, of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., won the Boys 10-11 age group.
Isabella Boettcher’s mother, Betty, knew her daughter was proud of herself after she won the Girls 12-13 age group title with 128 total points.
“Her dad is going to take her to Augusta,” Betty said, “and I'm looking forward to seeing them be a great pair over there, having a great time and just enjoying the experience. Which is all we can ask for, right?”
Needless to say, Sunday’s National Finalists will carry the Aloha Spirit to the mainland this spring, ideally bringing the peacefulness, clarity and positivity to Augusta National that Hawaii showed them in their brief stay.
When Luke Ainsworth was asked to name his favorite professional golfer after winning the Boys 7-9 division with a score of 139 points, his enthusiasm for a trip to Augusta made more sense.
“Scottie Scheffler is my favorite player,” he said.
Since Scheffler has won two of the last three Masters Tournaments, Ainsworth, of White Rock, N.M., will get to live out a dream and play on the prestigious course on which his idol won.
“It’s going to be really amazing,” he said of competing at Augusta.
“Seeing the golf course and having a fun time is what I’m really excited about,” he said.
Ainsworth credits his father for getting him into the game and plans to use him as his caddie this spring.
***
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Girls 7-9 division winner Charlotte Halstead began looking for a new outdoor activity.
“We started playing golf right around then,” she explained. “I really liked it because I’m hanging out with my dad and my friends and getting some fresh air.”
Halstead stuck with her newfound passion, and it took her all the way to Sunday’s regional qualifier, where she posted a cumulative score of 129 points to clinch a National Finals berth.
“It was a really pretty day,” she said. “I was nervous because there’s a lot of really good players (in the division). But now, I feel really excited.”
Halstead idolizes players such as Rory McIlroy and Jason Day and hopes to make her mark on Augusta’s legendary course, too. She dreams of becoming a professional golfer when she grows up and hopes this is the start of something special in her golf career.
But for now, how did she plan on celebrating?
“I’m going to tell all of my friends about it and have a nice dinner,” Halstead said proudly.
***
Dashiell White, winner of the Boys 10-11 division, found his love for golf in a very simple manner.
“I just went outside and started playing,” he said.
White comes from a family of non-golfers and his mother, Louise, credited Dashiell for getting the entire family into the sport. Dashiell, who dreams of playing professional golf, said his favorite golfer is Collin Morikawa.
The entire White family was present for Dashiell’s performance at Hualalai. They walked with him on the course throughout the day to give their unconditional support and it worked as he scored 141 points to top his division.
Now a National Finalist, Dashiell added that he is “happy and excited” to compete at Augusta National in 2025.
***
From an early age, Sophie Lasiter, winner of the Girls 10-11 age group, played golf at the encouragement of her parents but also under one condition.
“My dad would make me hit balls at our backyard net for ice cream,” she recalled.
As Lasiter grew older, the game became much more than just playing for a special treat. Her hard work paid off, and she improved more and more as the years went on — eventually playing her way to a spot in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.
Lasiter, of Los Angeles, claimed putting was her favorite golf skill.
“I like how you don’t have to swing the club so far back,” she said.
Lasiter’s claim makes perfect sense, especially considering how she performed in the putting portion of Sunday’s qualifier. She tallied 52 points on the green, which was her highest score in the three skills.
An aspiring LPGA player, Lasiter looks up to American phenom Nelly Korda.
Before Lasiter returned to the mainland, she planned to take in the world-class Hawaii beaches to relax in celebration of her monumental accomplishment.
***
Travis Elegado, winner of the Boys 12-13 division, has future plans outside of golf, but before he starts thinking about his real estate ambitions, he has to prepare for the competition of a lifetime.
Elegado qualified for the National Finals with his strong all-around performance in the three skills. He earned 61 points for his drives, 40 for chipping and 50 on the putting green. His cumulative score of 151 points was among the highest at Hualalai.
“I feel like driving was my best part, because I was able to hit it far while also getting all three of them in the grid,” Elegado said.
Elegado credits his father for teaching him golf, and he looks up to Tiger Woods as a dominant figure who possesses a lot of hitting power.
While Elegado looks forward to experiencing the national stage, he is already looking ahead to prepare for the moment. Hearing of Augusta’s fast greens, the young star plans to practice downhill putts until springtime.
“I’m excited to see how fast the greens are (at Augusta),” Elegado said.
When asked why he enjoys golf, Elegado pointed to the singular nature of the game.
“It’s individual, so you can’t really blame it on anyone but yourself,” he said.
***
While most of Sunday’s qualifiers said they aspire to become professional golfers one day, Girls 12-13 age group winner Isabella Boettcher has different plans for later in life.
While the Scottsdale, Ariz., resident stated that she’d like to also play at a professional level at some point, her true passion lies in the fine arts. Boettcher wants to be a singer when she grows up.
“I sort of grew up just around music, and ever since then, I've been really attached to it,” she explained. “In fact, last year in middle school, I used to be in a small cover band that mainly resonated in the school, and I want to bring that into my later life and grow to really love it.”
Boettcher also explained that she uses music to keep herself calm while playing golf as outside noises are distracting.
“Sometimes I like to have a song in the back of my head playing as I'm taking the putt or swinging the driver, and I often like to make it on beat,” Boettcher said. “It feels nice to just have something playing in the background.”
Boettcher credits her dad for teaching her the game and plans to have him present as her caddie in Augusta.
“He doesn't necessarily play, but he taught me most of everything I know,” she explained. “So to have him there at Augusta National would mean a lot.”
Boettcher also has the right mindset regarding preparation for the National Finals.
“Practice every single day. Every morning, every night. Just perfect practice,” she said. “Because practice doesn't make perfect. It's perfect practice.”
***
Anthony Wu, the Boys 14-15 age group winner, has been to Augusta National before, just not as a player.
Wu and his family watched his younger sister, Kaylee, compete at the 2022 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals. Ever since, Wu wanted to match his sibling and experience the same glory.
“She’s always been there for me and is one of the reasons I play golf,” Wu said. “I’m so excited I can go back again.”
Wu, of Short Hill, N.J., earned the highest score of any competitor at Hualalai with 155 points. The regional qualifier marked his first visit to the Aloha State, and Wu called the experience “magical.”
With Wu venturing to Augusta around his birthday, he has much to look forward to in the coming months.
“I feel like it's probably one of the greatest birthday presents I've ever gotten,” he said.
While this will be Wu’s one and only National Finals appearance, given that he ages out of the competition next year, he noted that he hopes his sister’s exceptional play can take him to Augusta another time.
But for now, the Wu family plans to celebrate their star’s accomplishment with a vacation across the islands in Honolulu.
***
After winning the Girls 14-15 age group, Maya Brown routinely referenced her gratitude for her father, Mike, in her post-game interview. He taught her everything she knows about golf.
“I started playing a lot when I was, like, 6,” she said. “My dad was going to the range, and one time I went with him and the rest is history.
“I like the sound of the ball going into the cup. That's very satisfying. I also really like going around to all the different courses and seeing all the different pieces of art. It's very nice and special.”
Brown’s joy for the game quickly grew, and soon, the Thousand Oaks, Calif., resident was playing in high school matches as well as in Southern California PGA Junior Tour events. Recognizing that her dad has put a lot of time into her golf, Brown planned to dedicate her Augusta appearance to him and use him as her caddie at the National Finals.
“My dad’s been very busy, and he had to take off a lot of time from work for these past three rounds,” Brown said. “So it means a lot to me that I get to (qualify for Augusta) for him.”
A fan of the Masters, Brown is excited to be on a course that she’s only seen on TV.
