If you tune into the Golf Channel the Sunday before The Masters, you will see 80 of the best junior golfers from around the country playing at Augusta National Golf Club for their chance to win a Drive, Chip and Putt title.
Drive, Chip and Putt was founded in 2013 as a joint initiative by The Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association, and The PGA of America to tap into the creative and competitive spirit of young golfers.
And that’s exactly what it did for seven young hopefuls just recently who are now one step closer to this dream after placing in top spots at the local qualifier that took place Thursday, June 21 at The Landing golf course at Reynolds Lake Oconee.
Reynolds’ own Kallyn Black and Rylan Black (brother and sister), along with Lathan Hillin, placed first in their respective age/gender groups. Other Members included Canon Mullen who placed second, while Broughton Evans, Drew Williams, and Ana Martinez Medrano took third.
Hillin, 8, who began watching the event last year, started training with Jose Lopez, Head Golf Professional at The Landing, in order to compete in this year’s event. “I am very excited about moving on to Savannah and maybe soon Augusta,” says Hillin.
All seven will now advance to the sub-regional qualifying event of the free nationwide junior golf development competition.
