COON RAPIDS, Minn. – The Minnesota PGA Section of the PGA of America has announced that three junior golfers from the region have qualified to participate in the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals, held at Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Ga., on Sunday, April 2nd, prior to the start of The Masters Tournament.
A joint initiative founded in 2013 by The Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America, Drive, Chip & Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf.
By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip & Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. In addition to the National Finals, which is broadcast live on Golf Channel, the 80 participants will have an opportunity to take in Monday’s Masters practice round.
The three Minnesota based youth golfers became national finalists after qualifying through a series of local, sub-regional and regional events that were hosted by PGA Professionals at golf facilities across the Region. The finalists heading to Augusta National Golf Club include:
Natalie Martin (11), Park Rapids, Minn.
Reese Barry (12), Medina, Minn.
“We’re excited to have three representatives from Minnesota making their way to Augusta National Golf Club to represent the Midwest Region. What an experience of a lifetime for these junior golfers,” said Jd Drimel, CEO, Minnesota PGA. Be sure to tune in Sunday, April 2 for live coverage on Golf Channel beginning at 7:00 a.m. CDT.
The Minnesota PGA Section and Junior Golf ‘Sota Series tournament program provides playing opportunities for advanced, intermediate and beginner level golfers ages 8-19 years old. The ‘Sota Series is comprised of four unique “tours,” based on age and skill level. Events are offered on weekdays starting early June through mid-August. Currently, more than 2,000 junior golfers are members of the ‘Sota Series program. To learn more about ‘Sota Series and other junior golf opportunities, visit minnesotajuniorgolf.com.
For more information on the Minnesota PGA Section, visit minnesotapga.com.
About Minnesota PGA Section:
The mission of the Minnesota PGA is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. The Minnesota PGA will accomplish this mission by enhancing the skills of its professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees, and the public. In so doing, the Minnesota PGA will elevate the standards of the golf professional’s vocation, enhance the economic well-being of the individual member, stimulate interest in the game of golf, and promote the overall vitality of the game. The Minnesota PGA geographic region includes the entire states of Minnesota and North Dakota; South Dakota (fewer areas surrounding cities of Rapid City, Vermillion, and Yankton); and a portion of Western Wisconsin that includes St. Croix County and Superior, Wisconsin.