PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – The chipping skill competition in the Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifier at Pebble Beach Resort’s short course, The Hay, required a shot to travel all of 12 steps from tee to hole. It was hardly easy, as was the case for the six-, 15- and 30-foot challenges in the putting competition.
Among the 95 competitors who participated on a cool September Sunday above Stillwater Cove, eight advanced to the National Finals which will take place April 3, 2022, at Augusta National Golf Club. Excellence on the greens was the common key to success.
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Darla May Dela Torre won third, Chloe Singpraseuth won first and Joyce Zhang won third place in the girls 14-15 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Owen Greenough won first place in the boys 12-13 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Lukas Kunrath won third, Carter Macy won first and Emery Johnson won third place in the boys 7-9 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Anna Wu won third, Juno Taino won first and Lana Silvestri won second place in the girls 10-11 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Asia Young won third, Asterisk Talley won first and Gianna Singh won second place in the girls12-13 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jace Benson won first place in the boys 10-11 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Asterisk Talley won first place in the girls12-13 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jaden Dumdumaya won first place in the Boys 14-15 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kaylie Bae won first place in the girls 7-9 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Zeyu Zhao won third, Jace Benson won first and Adam Rigby won second place in the boys 10-11 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Juno Taino won first place in the girls 10-11 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Caroline Cui won second, Kaylie Bae won first and Emily Nguyen won third place in the girls 7-9 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Beau Sahr, won third, Jaden Dumdumaya won first and Sun Michael won second in the Boys 14-15 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Carter Macy won first place in the boys 7-9 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Chloe Singpraseuth won first place in the girls 14-15 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Elias Moncrief won third, Owen Greenough won first and Tanner Solis won second place in the boys 12-13 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: View of the clock at the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Gifts for participants in the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: View of registration table at the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Caitlyn Doyle puts up a banner before the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: View of The Hay during the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: View f the Scoring table at the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Caitlyn Doyle pounds in a base while Len Dumas holds a banner before the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Paisley Johnson competes in the girls 7-9 division of Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: View of the clock at The Hay during the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Zeyu Zhao putts during the boys 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Betley Lamperth and her father arrive for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Detail of hat for Drive Chip & Putt at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Participants for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event check in at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: View of the putting green 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Emily Nguyen warms up for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Emily Nguyen warms up for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Score card for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kelvin Rush helps his son Kingsley Lo Rush warmup for the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (l-r) Sisters Emree,8, and Kennedy Steward,10, warms up for the girls 7-9 and 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Paisley Johnson putts in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Slyer Johnson points out the fairway for his daughter Paisley Johnson warms up for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (l-r) Sisters Emree,8, and Kennedy Steward,10, warms up for the girls 7-9 and 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Sophie Ma practice putts for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Caitlyn Doyle marks the scores for the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Emily Nguyen and her dad Richard Nguyen get ready for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Paisley Johnson warms up for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Slyer Johnson and his daughter Paisley Johnson gather clubs for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Zhegang Ma and his daughter Sophie arrive for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Olivia Ding with her mother Yan Ding and father Dong Ding seen before participating in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Sophie Ma putts in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Emily Nguyen accepts a medal in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
View of a third place medal for the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Girls compete in the 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kingsley Lo Rush accepts a medal from Len Dumas, PGA Executive Director for Northern California after the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Zhegang Ma and his daughter Sophie practice for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Slyer Johnson fist bumps his daughter Paisley Johnson warms up for the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kaylie Bae points out her win in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Zeyu Zhao celebrates making a putt in the boys 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
Kingsley Lo Rush accepts a medal after the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Family members and friends cheer for golfers during Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Olivia Ding putts during the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Zeyu Zhao lines up a putt in the boys 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jace Benson is congratulated by his dad Skyler after winning first place in the boys 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Carter Macy accepts a medal from Len Dumas, PGA Executive Director for Northern California after the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kingsley Lo Rush accepts a medal from Len Dumas, PGA Executive Director for Northern California after the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Target for the chip event in the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Children play golf on the Hay after the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Anna Wu won third place in the girls 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jace Benson looks happy with his putting results in the boys 10-11 division during the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kingsley Lo Rush follows through on a drive in the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Huttson Hadley taks to his ball during the boys 12-13 division in the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Emily Nguyen accepts a medal in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Ben Wilson, playing in the boys 12-13 category, takes a look at the chipping green at the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kelvin Rush hugs his son Kingsley Lo Rush during the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kelvin Rush talks to his son Kingsley Lo Rush during the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Unidentified medal winner in the boys 12-13 division in the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Emily Nguyen steps up to compete in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Emily Nguyen hands her score card to judges in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Moses Haddad celebrates making a long putt in the boys 10-11 division during the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jace Benson gets the gold medal after winning first place in the boys 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jacob Garzon won 1st in putting during the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Olivia Ding with her mother Yan Ding and father Dong Ding seen before participating in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Huttson Hadley looks at the chipping green at the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jacob Garzon won 1st in putting during the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Olivia Ding lines up her putt during the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Betley Lamperth warms up to drive in the girls 7-9 division in the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jace Benson is congratulated by his dad Skyler after winning first place in the boys 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Ainsley Wilson chips in the 10-11 division during the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Paisley Johnson gets a hug from her dad Skyler after hitting drives in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Moses Haddad competes in the boys 10-11 division during the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Len Dumas, PGA Executive Director of Northern California taks to the participants in the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: View of competitions at the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jace Benson by the scoreboard after winning first place in the boys 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Zhegang Ma takes the scorecard from his daughter Sophie during the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Ainsley Wilson chips in the 10-11 division during the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: View of the chipping green at the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kelvin Rush looks on as his son Kingsley Lo Rush talks with other children during the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Carter Macy and his dad Kenny look at the competition during the boys 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Unidentified competitor in the boys 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Emily Nguyen gets ready to hit a drive in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Asterisk Talley (L) talks to a fellow competitor after the girls 12-13 division Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship - Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Huttson Hadley looks at the chipping green at the Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
This year’s regional qualifier was a first for The Hay, a nine-hole layout near the resort’s famed instruction center. The driving portion took place at the Pebble Beach practice facility, but the chipping and putting competitions took place on The Hay.
Named after longtime head professional Peter Hay, the short course underwent a complete remodeling after Pebble Beach hosted the 2019 U.S. Open. None other than Tiger Woods oversaw the project, and it opened for play in April of this year. Shorter than the original, it features greens with contours that can only be called severe, though the seventh green – where Drive, Chip and Putt competitors hit their three chip shots – would be considered the most benign.
The putting competition took place on The Hay’s 100-yard-long putting green, a third of which was roped off for Drive, Chip and Putt competitors. The six-footer had very little break, but the 15-footer coming back in the direct opposite direction had plenty of subtle side slope. Many missed wide right. The last putt, from 30 feet, was deceptively downhill with about a two-foot break, a touchy issue that had a huge influence on outcomes.
Competing in the Girls 7-9 division, Kaylie Bae of Happy Valley, Ore., was one of the first to attempt the daunting chip shot. She addressed the ball, rotated her hands into a “forward press,” and swung. The ball came off low, landing just onto the putting surface. It took one low hop forward, skidded and then rolled lightly against the flagstick and dropped into the hole for 25 points. She repeated that excellent form on her next shot, which stopped very close to the hole, on her way to a 50-point chipping total and medalist honors in her age division.
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kaylie Bae points out her win in the girls 7-9 Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
In the Girls 12-13 division, winner Asterisk Talley of Chowchilla, Calif., scored 50 points in chipping. Talley was a 2018 National Finalist and will be making her second appearance at Augusta National. Chloe Singpraseuth of Meridian, Idaho, credited her strong driving as being important in the Girls 14-15 competition, but her 50 points in chipping spurred her on to Augusta National in her fourth and last attempt to qualify for the National Finals.
Juno Taino of Studio City, Calif., won the chipping competition with 65 points on her way to first place in the Girls 10-11 division.
Over on the boys’ side, Jace Benson of Morgan, Utah, made all three putts in the 10-11 age division – the only competitor in the entire field to do so – and recorded the day’s highest score (75) in any one event. Benson said he was nervous, but the fact that he closely watched previous competitors helped him judge the speed and break of the greens.
“The last putt I hit was a little fast, but it caught the right side of the cup and went in,” he said. “If not, it would have been past the hole.”
That was the difference that allowed him to edge Adam Rigby of Vancouver, Wash., in the Boys 10-11 division. Rigby made his first two putts, but his third brought 15 points and a total of 152, 12 less than Benson’s winning mark.
It was probably the best experience I ever had
In the Boys 14-15 division, Jaden Dumdumaya of Fairfield, Calif., readied for his last putt knowing that he was very close to competitors Michael Sun of Bellevue, Wash., and Beau Sahr of Eagle, Idaho. The ball rolled steadily and took the break, stopping “two or three inches from the hole,” according to Dumdumaya.
Having made the six-footer to start, those close putts on the second and third tries each earned 20 points toward Dumdumaya’s putting total of 65 and an overall score of 160, three better than Sun and 10 better than Sahr.
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jaden Dumdumaya won first place in the Boys 14-15 year old division of the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier at Pebble Beach Golf Links on September 26, 2021 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
John McCoy/Getty Images
“It was probably the best experience I ever had,” Dumdumaya said. “Coming down to the last couple of shots, and the 30-footer, it was probably the most pressure I’d been through. I have been dreaming about the moment. I’m pretty excited.”
Carter Macy of Meridian, Idaho, edged Emery Johnson of Sandy, Utah, by a single point to win the Boys 7-9 division. Owen Greenough of Bend, Ore., had a bit more breathing room in winning the Boys 12-13 division. He prevailed by an eight-point margin.
Now that Augusta National is on the horizon, a veteran of the experience has some advice.
“It’s not as stressful as you think,” said Talley, who finished second in the Girls 7-9 division at the 2018 National Finals. “Once you get there, I mean, that’s the whole goal. But to win, that would be amazing.”
Those who make it back to future Drive, Chip and Putt regional qualifiers will be able to build on their experience, as will the National Finalists advancing to Augusta National Golf Club. Not unlike the regional qualifier at Pebble Beach, excellence on the greens will be crucial.
