Masters Legend Awards Advancing National Finalists

The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Audrey Mcintyre smiles after winning first overall for girls 14-15 category after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi

The legendary Jack Burke, Jr., was on-hand at Champions Golf Club to encourage up-and-coming juniors who are now on their way to Augusta National, where he won the 1956 Masters.

HOUSTON, Tex. – Sunday was as close to a perfect day as one could hope for at historic Champions Golf Club for the final day of Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifying.

The weather was ideal, the setting was iconic and the competition was serious but fun among the 96 junior golfers who advanced through local qualifiers and were looking to punch their ticket to the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. On a fall day without the usual Houston humidity, and with temperatures starting in the low 60s before creeping into the low 80s, four girls and four boys did just that by winning their respective age divisions – and they had a blast along the way.

"I'm just a huge fan of fall," said Audrey McIntyre of Lakeway, Texas, who won the Girls 14-15 division with a whopping 131 points, including 55 in the putting competition. "And I love playing golf. Perfect weather, perfect day. It's all you could ask for."

The best part of all this is I get to go to Augusta National.
Carson James

Indeed, this Sunday at Champions Golf Club – which has hosted the Ryder Cup, U.S. Open, five Houston Opens, five PGA Tour Championships, a U.S. Amateur, two U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateurs and a U.S. Women's Open – had a little bit of everything. Even Champions co-founder Jack Burke Jr., who won both the Masters and PGA Championship in 1956, made an appearance. Burke graciously agreed to hand out some of the winners’ medals, and he had a little advice and plenty of encouragement for the junior golfers he met.

"Relax those shoulders, loosen up and keep playing," he told one of the boys.

Viktoria Germain of nearby Cypress, Texas, who won the Girls 10-11 division, didn't know a whole lot about the 99-year-old Houston legend before Sunday, but she will undoubtedly look back fondly on the moment when Burke presented her with her hardware for years to come.

"I know he won the Masters," Germain said. "It was really cool to meet him. And I'm really excited about going there."

The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice range during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice range during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice range during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Jagger Jones putts during the boys 14-15 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Dylan Knox of the boys 12-13 category putts during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Boys from the 7-9 category looks on during the medal ceremony during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Gwen Rudebusch and Tenley Beall from the girls 7-9 category, looks at the medals during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 10-11 category, Beckett McLaughlin is interviewed during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Lucas Latimer chips during the boys 14-15 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Viktoria Gernain celebrates with her dad after winning first overall for girls 10-11 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Viktoria Gernain celebrates with her dad after winning first overall for girls 10-11 category during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 10-11 category, Beckett McLaughlin poses with his medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Spectators attends the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Audrey Mcintyre smiles after winning first overall for girls 14-15 category after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for girls 14-15 category, Audrey Mcintyre poses with her medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for girls 14-15 category, Audrey Mcintyre is interviewed after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for girls 14-15 category, Audrey Mcintyre is interviewed after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Second, first and third overall for girls 14-15 category, Yinyoe Yang, Audrey Mcintyre and Susanna Manns poses with their medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for girls 14-15 category, Audrey Mcintyre poses with her medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First and third overall for boys 14-15 category, Aadi Parmar, and Lucas Latimer pose with their medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 14-15 category, Aadi Parmar poses with his medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the registration table during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Spectators look watch the putting green during The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 12-13 category, Carson James poses with Vince Bove, Program lead, player engagement for PGA of America after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 7-9 category, Wesley Powers is interviewed after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Jackie Burke, 1956 PGA Championship and Masters Tournament Champion and Co-Founder of Champions Golf Club attends the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice range during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the of the leader board during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the of the leader board during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the of the leader board during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice range during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of golfballs sitting on the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of golfballs sitting on the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A detailed shot of a Drive, Chip and Putt hat during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First and third overall for boys 12-13 category, Carson James, and Bo Bradley pose with their medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 12-13 category, Carson James poses with his medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for girls 12-13 category, Katelyn Davis poses with her medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Second, first and third overall for girls 12-13 category, Maci Williams, Katelyn Davis and Adrielle Miller poses with their medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: (L-R) Second, first, third and overall for boys 10-11 category, Bryar Murphy, Beckett McLaughlin and Oliver McFadden pose with their medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 10-11 category, Beckett McLaughlin poses with his medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 7-9 category, Wesley Powers poses with his medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: (L-R) Third, first and second overall for boys 7-9 category, Varen Challagolla, Wesley Powers and Dawson Dial pose with their medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Jackie Burke, 1956 PGA Championship and Masters Tournament Champion and Co-Founder of Champions Golf Club shakes hands with first overall for girls 10-11 category, Viktoria Gernain during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: (L-R) Second, first and third overall for girls 10-11 category, Dia Singn, Viktoria Germain and Adira Navarathinam pose with their medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for girls 10-11 category, Viktoria Gernain poses with her medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Jackie Burke, 1956 PGA Championship and Masters Tournament Champion and Co-Founder of Champions Golf Club attends the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for girls 7-9 category, Allie Stevens poses with her medal after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: (L-R) Second, first and third overall for girls 7-9 category, Gwen Rudebusch, Allie Stevens and Tenley Beall pose with their medals after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Detail of a first place medal during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Detail of a first place medal during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Detail of a first place medal during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Detail of a first place medal during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: A general view of the practice putting green during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi
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That sentiment, of course, was universal among all the winners. Seven of the eight National Finalists will compete at Augusta National for the first time, while Aadi Parmar of Selma, Texas, will make a return trip after he won the Boys 14-15 division by one point over Lucas Latimer of Rockwall, Texas.

Three years ago, Parmar qualified for the 2019 National Finals in the Boys 10-11 division and enjoyed a viral moment at Augusta National, sinking a 30-foot putt on the 18th green to tie for fifth in his age group. In the video, which has been viewed thousands of times on Facebook, Parmar reacts with a fist pump reminiscent of his idol, Tiger Woods. But going back is anything but old hat for Parmar.

"I'm even more excited this time," he said. "It's the best place I've ever been."

The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 12-13 category, Carson James poses with Vince Bove, Program lead, player engagement for PGA of America after the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi

Parmar wasn't the only competitor to squeak out a one-point victory. Carson James of Prosper, Texas, pulled together a similarly close triumph over Dylan Knox of Dallas in the Boys 12-13 division, scoring 121 points to Knox’s 120. The difference came on the perfect and fast practice putting green (which event officials said was running about 12 on the Stimpmeter) where the chipping competition took place. James scored 30 points there compared to Knox's 22 points.

"That chip was hard," James said. "Once you got past the hole, it just kept running."

Even more gratifying for James, however, is that he advanced to the National Finals this year after coming up one point short in last year's regional qualifier at the Alotian Club in Roland, Ark. This certainly was sweet redemption for him, but "the best part of all this is I get to go to Augusta National," he said.

Another division was even closer. Katelyn Davis of Argyle, Texas, and Maci Williams of Brusly, La., finished the Girls 12-13 division tied for the overall lead with 123 points each and had to go to a playoff for medalist honors. The extra competition consisted of a single shot in each of the three skills. Williams had the slight edge entering the putting competition, but Davis cozied one up next to the hole to earn 15 points and edge out Williams.

"I just tried to tap it down there and get it close," Davis said of the putt. "It was really fast."

The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Champions Golf Club
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: First overall for boys 10-11 category, Beckett McLaughlin is interviewed during the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Champions Golf Club on October 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Championship)
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the DC&P Champi

One National Finalist got a sneak peek at Augusta National earlier this year. On their way to Pinehurst, N.C., for the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship in August, Dan McLaughlin decided to stop outside the famed Magnolia Lane in Augusta, Ga., and let his son, Beckett, stand on the tailgate of his truck for a glimpse at the hallowed grounds. It was dark, however, so he couldn't see much, but Dan told his son, "One day, they're going to open the gates for you."

That day will come April 2, 2023, because Beckett, of Austin, Texas, scored 133 points to win the Boys 10-11 division at Champions. His brief Augusta National visit this summer must have been inspiring because he also went on to win the Boys 10 title at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship in a playoff.

While earning that golden ticket to Augusta National was on every competitor's wish list, the main goal was simply to have fun. In that spirit, all the competitors and parents seemed more than happy with their day at Champions. The competition was serious, but in the end, many juniors knew each other from other tournaments and competitions and were just pleased to be part of the event.

Despite their own experiences in competitive golf, Noah and April Stevens, whose daughter Allie won the Girls 7-9 division, stress enjoyment over everything else. Noah is a former mini-tour player while April played college golf at Michigan State University.

"She's a perfectionist," Noah said of his daughter. "We just try to emphasize having fun and that making mistakes is OK."

Full event results available here.

About the Finalists

Allie Stevens of Austin, Texas, the Girls 7-9 division winner, might have had the busiest day of all the competitors. Once she got her medals for placing in the top three all three skills – plus, most importantly, a larger one for her overall win – she and her family immediately headed back to Austin, where she would play in a soccer match later in the afternoon.

***

Wesley Powers, who won the Boys 7-9 division, loves practicing his short game, and that certainly paid off for him. In fact, Powers, of Friendswood, Texas, dedicates 80 percent of his practice to chipping and putting, which is a little unusual for a junior golfer.

"Dad, can we go to the golf course and chip and putt?" is a frequent request, according to Wesley’s dad, Drew Powers. Wesley spends countless hours in the family backyard, which is an acre, hitting pitch and chip shots, and he loves to practice putting. The latter explains why he holed his first two putts in the competition and came close to making the third and longest putt from 30 feet to earn 65 points and run away with the victory.

***

Practice, practice and more practice is one reason Viktoria Germain of Cypress, Texas, prevailed in the Girls 10-11 division. She and her sister Veronika, who competed in the Girls 12-13 division, headed straight for Sterling Country Club every day after school with their father, Norman, and practiced until dark for weeks leading up to the Drive, Chip and Putt regional at Champions. Viktoria relied on her short game for the win, which was evident looking at the leaderboard. She scored 45 and 60 points in the chipping and putting portions of the event, respectively, to earn 127 total points and a 32-point victory.

***

Beckett McLaughlin, who won the Boys 10-11 title, is left-handed and has long dark hair, so it's no wonder his favorite player is Bubba Watson. McLaughlin, of Austin, Texas, even has a glove and a ball that the two-time Masters champion gave him. McLaughlin also likes to play tennis and pickleball, left-handed as well.

***

While Katelyn Davis credits her short game with winning the Girls 12-13 division in a playoff, she has made the most improvement lately with her driver, according to her dad, Mark Davis.

"She's gotten a lot longer and pretty accurate," he said. All of that should play well as the Davis family is moving back to Kingwood, Texas, from Argyle, Texas, where they have lived in recent years. Flooding from storms forced a move for them a few years ago, but upon their return, they will be members at The Clubs of Kingwood, a 90-hole facility where tree-lined fairways reward good drivers of the golf ball.

***

Like many of the competitors at Champions, Carson James, the Prosper, Texas, resident who won the Boys 12-13 division, benefits from having a parent who can play the game well. James' father, Chris James, is a scratch player, and the father-son duo practice together frequently at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club in McKinney, Texas. They also like to bass fish together at a pond owned by Carson's grandmother. Carson has been fishing and playing golf since he could walk, which sounds like pretty much half the PGA Tour players out there – and that is exactly what James hopes to be someday.

***

Audrey McIntyre, who won the Girls 14-15 division with 131 total points, made her way to Houston courtesy of her grandparents, Nancy and Dan McIntyre, who drove her from Lakeway, Texas, near Austin. Of the eight age-division winners, she was the only one whose aspiration was not to be a professional golfer. Instead, she said she would like to be a sports journalist. Additionally, she enjoys painting in acrylic and loves to travel (that's her favorite part about playing in junior tournaments around the country), and she always has fun on the course.

"No pressure. Just fun," said McIntyre, who wore a pair of socks with smiling pea images that said, "Don't worry, Pea happy!"

***

Aadi Parmar will make a return trip to Augusta National next spring for winning the Boys 14-15 division. His father, Kenny Parmar, was at the regional qualifier at Champions, along with Aadi’s mom Manisha, but he's a little superstitious, perhaps, about going to Augusta National. He didn't attend the National Finals in 2019 and isn't sure he will go in 2023. Kenny believes Aadi will eventually play in the Masters, so he is holding out for that day.

The next step for Aadi Parmar after high school will be college, and his first choice is Stanford. Besides being a great academic university, it's also, of course, where five-time Masters winner Tiger Woods played, and Woods is Aadi’s hero.

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