SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kai Molina poses with his second place overall finish in the boys 10-11 category and PGA Secretary Don Rea and William Howell during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
Keita Yobiko’s dad taught him to appreciate the opportunities golf provides. For Yobiko and seven other tenacious juniors, Augusta National is the ultimate reward for their dedication to the game.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – On a relatively calm but hot Sonoran Desert day at Desert Mountain’s Outlaw Course, 79 boys and girls ages 7-15 learned what dreams look like. While only eight players qualified for the ultimate competition at Augusta National Golf Club – next spring’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals – disappointment was in short supply. Happy faces ruled the day.
Koehn Kuenzler, 8, of Cortez, Colo., proudly grinned through the heat after winning the Boys 7-9 division. Apparently, cold weather doesn’t bother him either. On his fifth birthday, in knuckle-numbing weather on Nov. 8, Koehn firmly requested to go play golf. So, away they went – Koehn, his father, Zane and older brother, Zye.
Three shots, three shots, three shots. Lots of pressure. I love when I’m under pressure, it makes me more focused.
Keita Yobiko
“It’s his birthday, during winter in Colorado, and he wants to go play golf,” Zye said with a wry grin on his face. “And then he shoots something like 3-over par for nine holes.”
It wasn’t the first time Koehn called for an “emergency nine.” When he was only 2 ½ years old, he asked his dad to go to the golf course, so they spent a few hours practicing around midday. Then, long after returning home, as the afternoon faded into evening, “he asked to go to the golf course again!” said Zane.
Dad indulged his son once more, and this time, Koehn’s dedication caught the astute eye of Brad Neher, former assistant coach of the University of Colorado-Boulder men's golf team who served as the head coach during the 2005-06 season. Neher, also a longtime Nike Junior Golf Camp Director in Colorado, asked to video Koehn grinding away so he could “show his students.”
For Zye and his wife, Heidi, it’s more about Koehn pushing them than the other way around.
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Koehn Kuenzler of the boys 7-9 category celebrates his first overall finish during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the girls 12-13 category Maria Fernanda Giles poses with her medal and ticket to Augusta during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Zadie Posternack reacts after her second place finish in the girls 12-13 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Second, first and third overall in the girls 12-13 category Zadie Posternack, Maria Fernanda Giles and Annika Raja pose with their medals during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: A detailed view of a flag as Maria Fernanda Giles of the girls 12-13 category walks off the putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: The parents of Kai Molina look on after his second overall finish in the boys 10-11 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the girls 10-11 category Hana McGarry poses with her medal during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Second, first, and third overall in the girls 10-11 category Hailey Kim, Hana McGarry and Sherri Lin pose with their medals during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Blake Nakagawa of the boys 10-11 category reacts after making the longest putt during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall for the girls 7-9 category Ashley Kim poses with her medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Sophie Goto of the girls 10-11 category attempts a chip during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Third, first, and second overall for the girls 7-9 category Maya Young, Ashley Kim and Aviana Vilar pose with their medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Hana McGarry (C) celebrates after her first overall finish in the girls 10-11 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Koehn Kuenzler of the boys 7-9 category shakes hands with Ike Tydingco after his first overall finish during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Hana McGarry of the girls 10-11 category lines up a putt during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 12-13 category Leo Saito chats with a friend during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: A detailed view of a scorecard for the girls 14-15 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Emma Bush celebrates with her father after her first place finish in the girls 14-15 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Bri-Ela Nakagawa of the girls 14-15 category reacts after making a putt during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Madelyn Quinn of the girls 7-9 category signs her name at the registration table during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of a flag as Victoria Valenzuela of the girls 14-15 category attempts a putt during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kai Molina of the boys 10-11 category reacts with his father after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Leo Saito receives his first overall award in the boys 12-13 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Family members of Ashley Kim celebrate her first overall finish in the girls 7-9 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Family members of Ashley Kim celebrate her first overall finish in the girls 7-9 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: A detailed view of the Masters pin on Carrie Doss of the girls 14-15 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Carrie Doss of the girls 14-15 category attempts a chip during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the girls 14-15 category Emma Bush poses with her medal and PGA Secretary Don Readuring the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 14-15 category Keita Yobiko poses with his medal and PGA Secretary Don Rea during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Koehn Kuenzler celebrates his first overall finish in the boys 7-9 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 7-9 category Koehn Kuenzler poses with his medal and PGA Secretary Don Rea during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the girls 12-13 category Maria Fernanda Giles poses with her medal and PGA Secretary Don Rea during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Hana McGarry (R) looks on after her first overall finish in the girls 10-11 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Koehn Kuenzler accepts the award for first overall in the boys 7-9 category from PGA Secretary Don Rea and William Howell during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Zadie Posternack celebrates with her father after her second place finish in the girls 12-13 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Zadie Posternack celebrates with her father after her second place finish in the girls 12-13 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 12-13 category Leo Saito poses with his medal and ticket to Augusta during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Second, first an third overall in the boys 10-11 category Kai Molina, Neal Manutai and Charith Chintam pose with their medals during the The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 10-11 category Neal Manutai poses with his medal during the The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Ashley Kim of the girls 7-9 category celebrates her first overall finish with her father during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Ashley Kim of the girls 7-9 category celebrates her first overall finish with her father during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kai Molina accepts the award for second place overall finish in the boys 10-11 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: A detailed view of medals for the boys 10-11 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the entrance during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Hana McGarry of the girls 10-11 category reacts after her putts during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: A detailed view of a flag as Victoria Valenzuela of the girls 14-15 category lines up a putt on the putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Spectators watch the presentation of awards for the boys 14-15 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 14-15 category Keita Yobiko poses with his medal during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the girls 14-15 category Emma Bush poses with her medal during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 12-13 category Leo Saito poses with his medal during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Emma Bush celebrates with her father after her first place finish in the girls 14-15 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Emma Bush of the girls 14-15 category attempts a chip during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the girls 12-13 category Maria Fernanda Giles poses with her medal during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Second, first and third overall in the boys 12-13 category Colton Rubenstein, Leo Saito and Pierson Huyck pose with their medals during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of a flag at the scoring table during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Second, first and third overall in the girls 14-15 category Victoria Valenzuela, Emma Bush and Kate Nakaoka pose with their medals during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 14-15 category Keita Yobiko poses with his medal and ticket to Augusta during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the girls 10-11 category Hana McGarry poses with her medal and PGA Secretary Don Rea during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Amelie Khosla of the girls 7-9 category talks with her father during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view as Sophie Chang of the girls 12-13 category attempts a chip during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Ashley Kim and Maya Young of the girls 7-9 category talk during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Emma Bush celebrates with her mother after her first place finish in the girls 14-15 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Second, first and third overall in the boys 14-15 category Myles Martinez, Keita Yobiko and Ethan Kwan pose with their medals during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kai Molina accepts the award for second place overall finish in the boys 10-11 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Scottie Belgrad of the boys 14-15 category lines up a putt during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall for the girls 7-9 category Ashley Kim accepts a medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 12-13 category Leo Saito poses with his medal and PGA Secretary Don Rea during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Charith Chintam of the boys 10-11 category lines up a putt during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Maya Young of the girls 7-9 category lines up a putt during the The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Desert Mountain Club
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kai Molina poses with his second place overall finish in the boys 10-11 category and PGA Secretary Don Rea and William Howell during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
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The same dynamic holds true for the winner of the Girls 10-11 division, Hana McGarry. Opportunities appear to be endless for the 11-year-old from San Diego, whose smile lights up the room. And like Koehn, her birthday might have played a key role in her career path.
“I was born and raised in Korea, and my husband is 100 percent Irish,” McGarry’s mother, Kelly Kim, explained.
The confluence in pedigree of these two golf-crazed cultures was obvious to the couple, and the Korean tradition known as Doljabi – whereby on the first birthday, small items representing various professions are strewn across the floor for the baby to select – only confirmed this.
“We had mouse for computer science, a gavel for judge or law, money for banking or business, microphone for performer and music,” she explained. “And Hana chose the golf ball.”
Hana was not always so keen to fulfill her destiny. It took a couple of years for the game to click, and in the meantime, her parents diplomatically seeded some breathing room.
“When I was 7, my parents started kind of pushing me a little to get me going,” she recounted. “When I was 9 ½, I thought this could work out for me. I really tried my best to excel and go to the next level, and I guess it happened.”
Hana brings her happy-go-lucky personality to the golf course, along with her furry K-9 friend, Mondo, who accompanies her to “most” of her events. According to Kelly, Hana also has a tendency to “chase rabbits” scurrying about the golf course or usher lady bugs in peril off the putting green.
Once Hana, an only child, began to make friends – animals and humans – it was game on.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: Hana McGarry of the girls 10-11 category reacts after her putts during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
“The golf course is now her playground. She knows everybody; she loves to be out there playing with…anybody.”
Kelly went on to explain that it was the peer engagement that drew her daughter to the game. Once there, she started “looking around at all the other players and said, ‘I can do better than that.’”
That’s when her competitive spirit began to take hold.
“She started dreaming about winning that or playing in this,” Kelly added.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 25: First overall in the boys 14-15 category Keita Yobiko poses with his medal and ticket to Augusta during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Desert Mountain Club on September 25, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
For Keita Yobiko, however, last year’s trip to Augusta National was a dream unfulfilled, finishing T9 in the Boys 12-13 division. The now-14-year-old from West Covina, Calif. has been working hard ever since for another opportunity, and he’s had some extra help.
“My father is a teaching professional,” Yobiko said of his father, Yasu Yobiko, and his longtime golf school, Yobiko Los Angeles Golf Academy. “The golf course was my playground growing up. I would watch the junior golfers playing and practicing.”
Now it’s his turn. After scoring a solid 55 points in the drive skill and 40 in the chip competition, Keita closed with 65 points in the putt skill to pull away from the pack and win his age division by nine points.
“It’s hard to qualify for Augusta National, but I just love this tournament,” he said. “Three shots, three shots, three shots. Lots of pressure. I love when I’m under pressure, it makes me more focused.”
For all the hawkish talk, it’s the perspective Keita brings to the competition that portends good things for him. As Yasu explained, it’s all about the power and perspective of “appreciation.”
Yasu – noticing Keita’s swelling nervousness while warming up for the regional competition – reminded his son to “appreciate” where he was and what other people did to make it happen for him.
“You can’t play golf all by yourself. It takes people to provide the opportunity to play,” Yasu said, noting there’s no shortage of people to appreciate, from greenkeepers to the Drive, Chip and Putt founding partners (the USGA, PGA of America and Augusta National) that set the stage.
Once Yasu reminded Keita of this reality, “I saw his face change.” For the better, no doubt, as he soon emerged from an accomplished field.
As Yasu continued, it became evident that appreciation isn’t just an altruistic exercise. It has at least one more important purpose. Focusing on appreciation also helps distract from the pressure of the moment.
Connecting these dots drew emphatic affirmation from Yasu, the type of wide-eyed eureka moment one might see in a vindicated treasure hunter. This spring, Team Yobiko may yet strike gold at Augusta National.
Ashley Kim, 9, of Cerritos, Calif., took the lead in the Girls 7-9 division by winning the drive and chip competitions before cruising to a 22-point victory with 110 total points.
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Koehn Kuenzler, 8, of Cortez, Colo., gained his edge in the Boys 7-9 division by being steady across all three disciplines while most of his competitors’ scores fluctuated. With 104 total points, he finished eight points clear of the next two competitors.
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Hana McGarry, 11, prevailed in the Girls 10-11 division with the help of her pup, Mando, who was in attendance. The San Diego resident won the drive portion with 45 points and the putt competition with 60, finishing with 131 total points - 24 points clear of the next-best score.
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Even though Boys 10-11 division winner Neal Manutai, 10, of Laie, Hawaii, likes to hit his driver a long way like his uncle Tony Finau, it was his putter that ultimately helped him punch his ticket to Augusta National. He racked up 60 points in putting, medaling in that discipline, and earned an 131-point total for a two-point overall victory.
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In the Girls 12-13 division, after starting off with 15 points in the drive category, Maria Fernanda Giles of El Paso, Texas, put up 50 points in the chip skill and another 55 in the putt skill, qualifying for the National Finals by one point.
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Leo Saito, of Hilo, Hawaii, will make his second consecutive trip to the National Finals, and with the goal of redeeming a narrow loss last spring in the Boys 10-11 division. Now in the Boys 12-13 division, Saito came out firing in the Desert Mountain regional scoring 150 total points, eight ahead of second place.
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14-year-old Emma Bush, who is also an accomplished fencer out of Poway, Calif., proved to be just as skilled with a golf club as she is with a foil. She holed two of three putts – from 6 and 15 feet, respectively – en route to scoring 70 points in the putt skill alone. She won the Girls 14-15 division by five points.
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After finishing T9 in the Boys 12-13 division at last spring’s National Finals, Keita Yobiko, 14, of West Covina, Calif., has been working hard for another opportunity. The 65 points he scored in the putt discipline helped push Yobiko to the top of his age division with 160 points total.
