5 Junior Golfers from The First Tee Competing in Drive, Chip and Putt Finals

It’s an opportunity many only ever dream about: playing Augusta National Golf Club. Five of The First Tee participants have realized that dream, earning invitations to compete in the fifth annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, held at the famed golf course. This year’s competition will take place on Sunday, April 1, prior to the start of the Masters Tournament.

The First Tee is represented by all females at the 2018 Drive, Chip, & Putt finals:

Participant	Chapter	Division
Raylee Bosley	The First Tee of Greater Houston	Girls 7-9
Danica Lundgren	The First Tee of Greater Austin	Girls 10-11
Allyn Stephens	The First Tee of Greater Houston	Girls 12-13
Elise Deschaine	The First Tee of Greater Portland	Girls 14-15
Megha Ganne	The First Tee of Metropolitan New York	Girls 14-15

 

A joint initiative by the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the PGA of America, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is a free, nationwide youth golf development initiative open to girls and boys ages 7-15 – competing in separate divisions in four age categories. The competition focuses on the three fundamental skills employed in golf and taps the creative and competitive spirit of young golfers. Competing in the National Championship is no easy task. The road to Augusta began with local qualifying in May, June, and July, held at more than 260 sites throughout the United States. The top three scorers per venue, in each of the four age categories in separate boys and girls divisions, advanced to 50 subregional qualifiers in July and August. Two juniors in each age and gender division then competed at the regional level in September and October. The top finisher from each regional site’s age/gender divisions – a total of 80 finalists – earned a place in the National Finals, which will be broadcast live on Golf Channel.

 

Junior Golf Programs Through The First Tee

Founded by golf’s governing bodies—the LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA—The First Tee has been changing the sport of golf for more than 20 years. By making the game fun, inclusive and affordable, The First Tee has introduced golf to more than 15 million kids since 1997, changing their lives along the way. More than 1,000 PGA & LPGA teaching professionals and 25,000 volunteers work together to empower and teach kids The First Tee’s Nine Core Values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment. Find a location near you