April 2023 Ohio Golf Journal

40 boys and 40 girls competed in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National on Sunday, April 2. They had to make it through local, subregional and regional qualifying held at 342 sites around the country. Conducted in partnership between the Masters Tournament, the PGA of America and the USGA, the Drive, Chip and Putt is a nationwide youth development program open to boys and girls age 7 to 15. The top three scorers in the local qualifiers advanced to subregional qualifiers, with the two top participants in each moving on to regional competition for berths in the National Finals at the home of the Masters. “It’s very difficult to get to this stage,” said 2015 Masters Champion Jordan Spieth, who presented the prizes in the Girls 12-13 division.“To compete and win at Augusta National is always a good feeling.” Maxwell Lattavo from Chillicothe competed in the Boys 7-9 age division at Augusta National. He earned eight points in chipping and seven points in the putting segment. His drive of 136 yards left him with two points for a total of 17 points good for his tie for fourth. Harrison Young from Springfield was T-6 in the Boys 12-13 age group. He led his division with a drive over 240 yards, but only earned one point for his chipping and five points for putting. To register your child for the 2024 Drive, Chip & Putt visit https://www.drivechipandputt.com/. Did I fail to mention that Gianna is only 15? In the first two rounds at Champions Retreat, she fired 74-69, a total of one-under par putting her in the top 10 heading to the final round at Augusta National. With four bogeys and 14 pars in the final round, she posted a four-over par 76 that left her in a tie for 14th place. In January, Back 9 Report TV talked with Gianna about her success on the golf course and her future plans. Two Ohio Youth Compete in National Finals of Drive Chip & Putt

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