Eight young golfers crowned in Drive, Chip and Putt Championship

Eight young golfers, four boys and four girls, were entitled as champions of the second annual Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals held on Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club.

Conducted in partnership between the Masters Tournament, the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship is a free nationwide youth golf development program open to boys and girls, ages 7-15, in four age categories.

The four female champions were Effie Perakis, 9, of ages 7-9; Lydia Swan, 10, of ages 10-11; Morgan Goldstein, 13, of ages 12-13 and Alexandra Swayne, 14, of ages 14-15. The four male champions were Jay Leng, Jr., 9, of ages 7-9; Jake Peacock, 11, of ages 10-11; George Duangmanee, 13, of ages 12-13 and Toby Wilson, 15, of ages 14-15.

Tens of thousands of youngsters had the opportunity to qualify for the event, which began with local qualifying at courses throughout the country. From there, the top finishers advanced through sub-regional and regional competitions. Finally, the 80 winners across the four age divisions earned a trip to Augusta National, site of the annual Masters Tournament, to participate in the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals.

"We've always been dedicated, as have the USGA and PGA of America, to promoting amateur golf," said Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament.

"Everybody has thought about sinking the winning put on the 18th green of the Masters to win the Green Jacket. And to bring that opportunity to these 80 kids today was very special." Endi