PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Benjamin Sheng reacts with his father during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
A pathway has long existed from The Ridgewood Country Club to Augusta National and eight Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalists are just the latest young talents to walk it, complete with success stories of their own making.
PARAMUS, N.J. – On a sun-splashed Saturday in New Jersey, 96 young golfers attempted to do what a pair of the game’s top amateurs accomplished just two years ago: Enter The Ridgewood Country Club with a dream and leave with a ticket to Augusta National Golf Club.
Sam Bennett and Ben Carr earned invitations to the 2023 Masters Tournament by reaching the final match of the 2022 U.S. Amateur at Ridgewood. But on this picture-perfect fall day in the Garden State, a younger set of competitors left the historic grounds knowing they were headed to Augusta National for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals in April.
“It’s amazing to see such composure from the kids at this age,” said David Reasoner, Ridgewood’s head golf professional. “At Ridgewood, we pride ourselves on our junior program. This is the future of golf and the experience of competing at Ridgewood will teach the kids lessons in golf and also in life.”
To taste glory at Ridgewood, golfers need to master the speedy, undulating greens, though for Yashvi Shah it’s almost as if victory was meant to be.
Shah, whose first name means “famous” or “glory,”lived up to that name during the day’s final discipline. The Bridgewater, N.J., native arrived at the putting green tied for first place but took home the Girls 14-15 age group title by draining her first putt and rolling her final putt inside two feet.
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Yashvi Shah poses after leading the Girls 14-15 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Detail of signage during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants stop at the registration tent during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Detail of signage during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Detail of PGA of America branded tees during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ava Nguyen warms up on the practice green during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Detail of signage during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ava Nguyen warms up on the practice green during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants warm up on the practice green during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants warm up on the practice green during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants stop at the registration tent during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Detail of pin flags signed by participants during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants leave the driving range during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Arav Rathore,
Thomas Goodelle, and Max Mcvay pose for a photo after leading the Boys 14-15 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Thomas Goodelle poses for a photo after winning the Boys 14-15 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Detail of a winner's medal during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Jade Zhao, Yashvi Shah, and Hailey Yap pose after leading the Girls 14-15 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Benjamin Sheng reacts after placing third in the Boys 12-13 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Gregory Psaki reacts after winning the Boys 12-13 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ethan Yu, Benjamin Sheng, and Gregory Psaki pose after leading the Boys 12-13 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Gregory Psaki poses after leading the Boys 12-13 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Olivia Pattison, Alexandra Phung, and Mya Moore pose after leading the Girls 12-13 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Alexandra Phung poses after leading the Girls 12-13 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ethan Hahn, Jackson Logan, and Brayden Ledoux pose after leading the Boys 10-11 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Jackson Logan poses after leading the Boys 10-11 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ava Nguyen reacts after winning the Girls 10-11 division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Aarya Tsarong, Ava Nguyen, and Mackenzie Malcolm pose after leading the Girls 10-11 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ava Nguyen poses after leading the Girls 10-11 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Christian Roberts and Edouard Marchand pose after leading the Boys 7-9 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Christian Roberts poses after leading the Boys 7-9 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Abigail Gould, Emma Xu, and Rory Khanna pose after leading the Girls 7-9 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Emma Xu poses after leading the Girls 7-9 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Arav Rathore competes in the driving skill during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Benjamin Sheng reacts with his father during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants compete in the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants compete in the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants compete in the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants compete in the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants compete in the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Yashvi Shah looks on during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ethan Yu reacts with his father during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: A participant competes in the putting skill during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: A participant reacts with family during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Participants compete in the putting skill during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: A participant competes in the chipping skill during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: A participant reacts with their parent during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: A participant competes in the driving skill during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Mackenzie Malcolm participates in the driving skill during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Mackenzie Malcolm reacts after a drive during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: A participant lines up their shot during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: A participant is congratulated by their parent during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: A participant reacts
after a putt during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Aarya Tsarong is hugged by her parent during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ava Nguyen reacts during the putting skillduring the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ava Nguyen reacts with Aarya Tsarong after winning the Girls 10-11 division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Christian Roberts competes in the chipping skill during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Christian Roberts competes in the chipping skill during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - The Ridgewood Country Club
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: A participant competes in the putting skill during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
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“I’m so excited,” said Shah, who credited her older sister Vaidehi for motivating her. “My sister made it to Drive, Chip and Putt regionals, but never made it all the way. I’m really excited to represent her and New Jersey at Augusta National.”
Augusta National has a way of inspiring golfers of any age. For Gregory Psaki, the dream of making it to golf’s holy ground began 10 years ago. Psaki, winner of the Boys 12-13 division, has been watching the best golfers in the world play in the Masters since he was very young. Psaki said 2015 was the first time a Masters champion got him excited about the game.
“My favorite player is Jordan Spieth,” he said of that year’s champion. “I remember watching him win the Masters when I was 3 or 4 years old. He went on that great run, and it inspired me to play golf.”
Now the seventh grader from Greenwich, Conn., who won his age group with 146 total points, will putt on the same Augusta National green his golfing idol celebrated victory on 10 years ago.
It’s amazing to see such composure from the kids at this age. At Ridgewood, we pride ourselves on our junior program. This is the future of golf and the experience of competing at Ridgewood will teach the kids lessons in golf and also in life.
David Reasoner, Head Golf Professional at The Ridgewood Country Club
Speaking of celebrations, Thomas Goodelle knows exactly where he and his family will be celebrating his regional victory.
“Texas Roadhouse,” Goodelle said. “It’s my favorite restaurant!”
Goodelle, who hails from New Hartford, N.Y., was crowned the Boys 14-15 age group champion following a solid all-around performance. Goodelle won the chipping discipline but said his hot start with the driver was key to his victory.
“I knew the best part of my game was chipping, so when I started off with three drives inside the scoring zone, it really boosted my confidence,” he said.
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Thomas Goodelle poses for a photo after winning the Boys 14-15 age division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
Goodelle will lean on a good friend from upstate New York to help get him ready for the National Finals in April.
“My friend Jacob Olearczyk made it to Augusta two years ago,” Goodelle said. “He’s already told me I have to hit my drives in play and hope I get lucky on the green.”
No luck was needed for Needham, Mass., native Ava Nguyen – just nerves of steel. Nguyen tied Aarya Tsarong for first place in the Girls 10-11 division with 133 total points and was told she was headed to a playoff.
“I was really nervous because I usually don't do well in playoffs,” Nguyen said.
She watched as Tsarong missed her 15-foot playoff putt. Then it was Nguyen’s turn.
“I knew I only needed to putt it into the 20-point ring, so I wasn’t trying to make it, and it went in!” said an overwhelmed Nguyen, who jumped and hoisted both arms into the air in celebration.
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Ava Nguyen reacts with Aarya Tsarong after winning the Girls 10-11 division during the 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Ridgewood Country Club on September 21, 2024 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Drive, Chip & Putt
“I never thought I would win, but I’m so excited.”
Ninety years ago, Byron Nelson walked under the same majestic oak trees at The Ridgewood Country Club as Nguyen, Psaki, Shah and Goodelle. At the time, Nelson was the club’s assistant golf professional. A year later, Nelson won the 1937 Masters Tournament.
Now eight juniors leave New Jersey with the hope of walking in Nelson’s footsteps at the Drive, Chip and National Finals at Augusta National.
In the Boys 7-9 division, Christian Roberts found himself in third place entering the putting competition at the regional qualifier. The South Hamilton, Mass., native then tallied 65 out of a possible 75 points on the green which powered him to the National Finals. Roberts planned on celebrating his victory by having his favorite ice cream flavor, cookie dough, while watching his favorite movie “Home Team.”
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Emma Xu used a seemingly magical wedge to win the Girls 7-9 division. The Roslyn Heights, N.Y., native holed her second chip of the day which led to 50 points in the discipline and 114 total points. Xu, who was decked out in multiple colors at the Ridgewood regional, said she loves rainbows because “colors are like different moods.” Her favorite color is pink, which she says puts her in a happy mood.
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Jackson Logan credits his win in the Boys 10-11 division to his favorite club: his putter. He holed both his first and second putts en route to his 133-point tally. Logan, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., says his favorite pre-game meal is a steak, which he had the night before the Drive, Chip and Putt regional. He says he is excited to hopefully meet his golfing idol, Bubba Watson, at Augusta National. Logan was lucky enough to receive a golf ball from the 2012 and 2014 Masters champion when he was younger.
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Ava Nguyen is headed to Augusta National after making a 102-point improvement from a year ago. In her first try at Drive, Chip and Putt, she registered just 31 points, but the Needham, Mass., native putted her way to the 2025 National Finals in a playoff after tying Aarya Tsarong in the Girls 10-11 age group with 133 total points. Nguyen planned on celebrating her playoff-winning 15-foot putt with a big steak dinner.
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Gregory Psaki rode his consistent driver and hot putter all the way to Augusta National. The seventh grader from Greenwich, Conn., scored 146 points to win the Boys 12-13 division. Gregory, with a smile, said he’s “a little superstitious” as he never ties his golf shoes. He simply slides them on prior to competition. Psaki also said he uses only golf balls with the number one for tournaments, but uses number threes for his Drive, Chip and Putt competitions.
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Alexandra Phung will be making her fourth trip to the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, this time as winner of the Girls 12-13 division. The 2023 National Champion in the Girls 10-11 division has soaked up the Augusta National experience by eating in the Founders Roomas well as getting a golf ball from Tiger Woods. Phung said she will take her knowledge from having competed at Augusta with her again this year. She planned to play additional break on the 15-foot putt at Augusta National, which broke more than she expected in 2023.
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Thomas Goodelle heads to Augusta National after a score of 147 in the Boys 14-15 division. Thomas, from New Hartford, N.Y., a suburb of Utica, said his favorite PGA Tour player is fellow New Yorker Cameron Young. Along with what Goodelle calls “the best swing on Tour,” he is inspired by Young going from the Empire State all the way to the PGA Tour.
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Yashvi Shah represented her home state of New Jersey in grand fashion, winning the Girls 14-15 division with a score of 138 points. The 10th grader started playing golf just three years ago and is a multi-sport athlete, competing in both basketball and swimming in addition to golf.
