Five things we loved about the Augusta National 2023 Drive Chip and Putt Finals

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A mix of veteran and newcomers brought the 2023 Drive, Chip and Putt finals with them.

This annual tournament brings together youth golfers from all over the country to play against each other in divisions that are broken down into different age groups. The event offers a chance to play at Augusta National Golf Club and to meet some of the most famous golfers, including former Masters Tournament champions.

Many of these players have been working for years to reach the Augusta finals. It all comes down to six shots when they get there: Two drives and two chips, followed by two putts. Although the competition is tough, the Masters Sunday experience is unparalleled.

There are many interesting stories to be told with the large number of competitors.

These five stood out in this year’s competition

An delayed flight

Martha Kuwahara won the title in Girls’ 14-15 division despite a short battle with Mother Nature. The native of Northbrook, Illinois had to deal with two delayed flights from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, and she didn’t get to Augusta until the eleventh hour.

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“Yesterday, when we were flying in at 4 a.m. I woke at 2 a.m. and got ready. She said that a thunderstorm hit and delayed the flight until 11:15 a.m., then it stormed again and delayed the flight until 2 p.m. “We arrived in Atlanta at 7:15 p.m., and then had to drive down to Atlanta. We arrived at midnight. I was late for registration and missed all the parties. “We were all like, “Oh yeah, we got all the bad luck yesterday so all of the good luck is today and it all just worked out.”

Kuwahara, who had competed in Drive, Chip and Putt finals last year, was able calm his nerves and concentrate on making shots.

It helped me a lot. She said it helped her with anxiety. I worked with my mental coach to plan everything. I was able to know the distances, breaks and how to chip my putting and chipping. It was great to be able to practice rounds.

The ANWA Effect

Kuwahara, a college golfer aspirant, said that she was closely following Rose Zhang, the champion, at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur this Week. Kuwahara wasn’t the only one. It was obvious that a theme emerged quickly Sunday when many of her competitors mentioned Zhang’s performance.

“I follow many college coaches. A lot of their players were playing in the tournament and they posted some [Instagram] reels. It was incredible to see. She said that she watched the entire three-day event. She said, “It’s because she has won so many tournaments. Stanford is one of my dream schools. She plays there, and she’s very smart. She is an inspiration to me.”

Zhang and Nancy Lopez, the golf legend, were present on Sunday to congratulate each age division winner. Alexandra Phung, the winner of the Girls’ 10-11 category, said that she is following both world No. 1. Both in the amateur ranks and the pro ranks.

“Definitely Rose Zhang. She is a great woman and I am proud to have met her. Although I don’t know when she will be there, Lydia Ko is an inspiration. She is a great player, and I want to be like her in future.”

It was worth the wait

Sunday was a long time coming for Maya Palanza Gaudin (girls’ 12-13 champion). Before reaching Augusta, she tried six times to qualify for Drive, Chip and Putt’s finals.

It was worth the wait. She said she was 100 percent satisfied. “I have been following the Masters, Chip and Putt and I always wanted to go to Augusta. It is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, which drove me to practice to improve my game.

She was thrilled to be able to visit Augusta for the first time.

She said, “It was driving down Magnolia Lane, but it was when we were walking up the putting green that it really hit me.” It was almost like a parade, with everyone clapping. It was amazing and I loved it so very much.”

Gaudin lives in Abu Dhabi with her adoptive parents. She’s been fortunate to be able to play at some amazing international venues, including St. Andrews. Rory McIlroy, a PGA Tour star, has also been a friend of Gaudin.

He’s so kind to me. She said that he is very kind. He comes to Abu Dhabi tournaments almost every time I get to see him. He is so kind and gives me great advice. It’s so wonderful.

Hawaii gets a big showing

Hawaii produced two boys’ champions, Neal Manutai (10-11), and Leo Saito (12-13). Both players look forward to taking home their trophies and sharing their successes and experiences.

“Yes, my friend from O’ahu is also here. When Saito was asked about Manutai, he said that he is also from Hawaii. “I’m very excited to meet him, and share this first place trophy.

There was another connection to the tournament, as well as former Masters champions who were present Sunday. Tony Finau, a PGA Tour star, gave Manutai valuable advice before he arrived at the event.

“Yes, he gave lots of tips to me. He said, “I don’t know.” He gave me so many things that I can’t remember. He really pushes me to keep going, and to work hard.”

Bring the hardware home

The joy of winning an event this high is shared with friends and family. It can also be quite competitive.

Ashley Kim, a native of Cerritos in California, will take the winning girls’ 7-9 division as a badge for honor when she returns to the United States.

“I would tell all my friends that I won. She said that she was just happy to have proved them wrong. They think that golf is stupid and stuff, and they talk about it too much. When I return to school, they don’t care what I say. I just want to say that I won.