By: Brian Tolnar, PGA
“As a parent I was excited, when my child qualified for the regional Drive, Chip & Putt Regional Qualifier at Oakland Hills Golf Club near Detroit. As a PGA Professional, I was even more proud of the PGA’s partnership with the USGA and Augusta National Golf Club to initiate this wonderful golf competition for junior golfers.”
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship (DCP) has been a phenomenal vehicle to foster the growth of golf, since its inception in 2013. It has captured the interest of thousands of junior golfers and has made an immediate impact in the rapid expansion of young golfers in this country.
DCP is free for junior golfers ages 7-15 and provides an opportunity to compete on some of the best golf courses across the country. Every competitor is trying to make it to the National Finals held at Augusta National Golf Club just prior to the Masters Tournament. All 41 PGA Sections host local qualifies and sub-regional qualifies. Ten Regional Qualifiers are then held to determine the final 80 golfers that will compete at Augusta.
My seven-year-old son, Preston competed for the first time this year finishing in second place at the Northern Ohio PGA Section Local Qualifier at Mill Creek MetroParks Golf Course in Youngstown. He then finished first in the Sub-Regional Qualifier at Westfield Country Club, which qualified him for the Oakland Hills Regional.
Every stage of this competition was done in first-class fashion. The staff and hospitality at Oakland Hills Country Club was impeccable from the moment our family set foot on the property.
The club hosted a dinner for all the families on Friday evening, as well as, guided tours of their historic clubhouse. The club graciously allowed all participants adequate time for practice, both Friday and Saturday, plus the PGA staff was available at all times. As a fellow PGA Professional this was much appreciated.
“As a parent, any sport, or activity your children compete in is always nerve wrecking. Drive Chip & Putt’s staff and volunteers made the event run smoothly. From the kickoff dinner, to the actual competition and the final awards presentation, our family was given a lasting memory that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.”
Hats off to Oakland Hills Country Club, Augusta National Golf Club, the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America for giving junior golfers this great competition. I wish this was something I could have experienced as a young golfer.
With programs for junior golfers, such as Drive, Chip & Putt, golf is in a great place.
“I would definitely advise any parent to register their child into this FREE program. It is fun, plus it will make them a golfer for life.”
Learn more at: https://www.drivechipandputt.com/
