Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals | Sunday updates

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals are underway at Augusta National Golf Club.

The event features 80 junior golfers ages 7-15 competing in three disciplines: Driving, chipping and putting. The competition begins at Augusta National’s Tournament Practice Area. Participants hit three drives and are awarded points based on distance. Then they will attempt three chip shots with points awarded based on distance to the hole. Finally, they will attempt three putts from six, 15 and 30 feet on the green at Augusta National’s iconic 18th hole.

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Drive, Chip and Putt is a joint initiative by The Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association, and The PGA of America, aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. More than 8,000 participants began the qualifying process last year. In 2024, Akshay Bhatia became the first former Drive, Chip and Putt participant to earn an invitation to the Masters Tournament.

There are two Augusta area participants in this year’s event, Colton Johnson of Appling and Shane Strickland of Aiken, South Carolina.

“It’s all worth it when it comes to stuff like this,” said Kat Johnson, Colton’s mother. “It’s like a dream come true. You see his dream and our dream all come together like this.”

Later Sunday afternoon, golfers competing in the 89th Masters Tournament will begin their preparation at the Tournament Practice Area.

Golf Channel is providing live coverage of the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals. For live results, click here.

This story will be updated throughout the day.