The USGA, Masters Tournament and the PGA of America have announced that qualifying registration for the fifth Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is officially open on DriveChipandPutt.com.
This fun, free and nationwide youth golf development initiative invites boys and girls, ages 7-15, to participate in local qualifying opportunities in all 50 states throughout the months of May, June, July and August. Entrants will play in girls’ and boys’ divisions in four age categories, with scoring centered around golf’s three fundamental skills (Drive, Chip and Putt). Top performers at the local level will advance through subregional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September/October, respectively, at some of the nation’s most acclaimed venues and championship sites. From these qualifiers, 80 finalists – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 1, the eve of the 2018 Masters Tournament.
“On our fifth-year milestone, it is evident that when the golf industry works together to welcome more people to the game, great things happen,” said Diana Murphy, president of the USGA. “The elation we see on each child’s face when they play in a Drive, Chip and Putt event inspires us all, and gives us great energy to engage more golfers in this exceptional program. It is clearly making an impact on the future of the game.”
“Our commitment to the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is unwavering, grounded by our desire to introduce more kids to the sport and inspire the game’s next generation,” said Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “With the continued leadership of our two fellow founding partners, the program has grown and expanded across the country. Our expectation is to connect more young players everywhere to this wonderful game through a fun experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
“Drive, Chip and Putt has made a remarkable and sustained impact on tens of thousands of boys and girls, by giving them an opportunity to showcase their golf skills in a fun and exciting format,” said PGA President Paul Levy. “We’re proud that PGA Professionals and our 41 PGA Sections are key drivers for hosting qualifying events nationwide, as these junior golfers pursue their dream. We’re delighted that this groundbreaking partnership between the PGA of America, USGA and Masters Tournament is making a positive difference for a new and exciting generation of golfers.”
Local qualifying returns Saturday, May 6, 2017. The full breakdown and schedule of 2018 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship qualifying is as follows:
Stage 1: Local Qualifying (May/June/July/August)
268 host sites spread throughout all 50 states
3 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue
Stage 2: Subregional Qualifying (July/August)
53 host sites spread throughout 31 states
2 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue
Stage 3: Regional Qualifying (September/October)
10 host sites in 10 defined regions
1 junior advances in each age/gender category from every venue
Stage 4: National Finals (April 1, 2018)
80 total participants at Augusta National Golf Club
The current fourth season of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will conclude on the eve of the upcoming Masters Tournament, with 80 junior golfers competing at Augusta National on Sunday, April 2. Golf Channel will broadcast the event live.
