Hard Work Delivers Breakthroughs At Aronimink

The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Aronimink Golf Club — NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Kaylee Bell is interviewed after winning the Girls 14-15 division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Aronimink Golf Club on September 21, 2024 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt

A trip to Augusta National was the ultimate goal at the Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifier at Aronimink Golf Club on Saturday, but competitors didn’t forget to stop and think about golf’s greater role in their lives.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Despite their eagerness for a trip to the fabled Augusta National Golf Club for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on April 6, 95 competitors at Aronimink Golf Club did not forget the most important part of the game: camaraderie, companionship and competition.

By day’s end, a total of eight junior golfers left the Aronimink regional qualifier with exactly what they wanted. As those National Finalists began celebrating their outstanding achievements, they first took a moment to reflect on their hard work and the support from those around them.

Caris Hartman of Mars, Pa., who topped the Girls 10-11 division, had her Drive, Chip and Putt journey circled on her calendar. It turned out even better than she could have imagined.

“I worked really hard,” she said. “My goal this year was just to get to Nemacolin (Woodlands, for subregional qualifying). Then I got to Aronimink and moved [on] to Augusta.”

After winning the drive competition with 33 points, she put together a steady performance in putting and holed one of her three chip shots to punch her ticket to the National Finals. Now Augusta-bound for the first time, she will set a Drive, Chip and Putt benchmark for her siblings.

I’ve been trying to do this for four or five years, and this is my last year to do it. Making it is just incredible.

Kaylee Bell

“My family revolves around golf,” Hartman said. “My brother and sisters also play golf. We’re just trying to practice together. My dad and my swing coach are training me, my brother and my sisters to become very good.”

Lucas Dunaway, with the support of his family, started hot by making his first two putts on his way to winning the putting skill in the Boys 7-9 age group. The Troy, Va., resident found the hole on his third chip too, and landed three drives inside the grid to earn a ride down Magnolia Lane.

“[After] my first two putts, I was very excited because I made them both,” Dunaway said. “[On] my 30-foot putt, I only got 10 points, which was a little bit disappointing. I think I could have done a little bit better, but I’m happy with today.”

He gave a shout-out to his family and his coach for his qualifying performance on Saturday.

“My mom mostly helps take me to practice and helps me with my game,” Dunaway said. “My coach helps me with my swing and short game. My dad helps support me.”

He gave a shout-out to his family and his coach for his qualifying performance on Saturday.

“My mom mostly helps take me to practice and helps me with my game,” Dunaway said. “My coach helps me with my swing and short game. My dad helps support me.”

Kaylee Bell, winner of the Girls 14-15 age division, was elated to finally break through to the National Finals.

“I’ve been trying to do this for four or five years, and this is my last year to do it. Making it is just incredible,” Bell said.

Bell, of Virginia Beach, Va., reached her 148-point total by acing all three of her putting attempts for 75 points and first place in that skill. She also led her age group in driving with 48 points.

Having her parents in attendance made the moment extra special.

“Practicing consistently and having my parents and all my supporters by my side has been what’s gotten me here,” Bell said. “[Qualifying] is the best feeling that I’ve ever felt.”

Augusta National represents a dream realized for Boys 14-15 National Finalist Mason Palmer of Roanoke, Va., too. Rock-solid consistency in all three skills helped him win the first-place medal in his division.

“I feel great. I always wanted to do this,” Palmer said.

Palmer has been working extra hard on his game recently. The golf bug bit him at age 5 while learning at the First Tee - Roanoke Valley.

“Golf is a good way to get outside [and] spend time with friends and family,” Palmer said. “I got a lot better these past few years, and I’m just happy to be able to have this opportunity.”

The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Aronimink Golf Club

NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Mason Palmer poses with a first place medal after winning the Boys 14-15 division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Aronimink Golf Club on September 21, 2024 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)