As part of its ongoing commitment to junior golf programming, Reynolds Lake Oconee will host a qualifier for the 2015 Drive, Chip and Putt National Championship at its renowned Landing Course on June 11. Qualified players plan to compete at Augusta National Golf Club prior to the 2016 Masters tournament.
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is a free nationwide program aimed at growing the game by tapping the creative and competitive spirit of boys and girls ages 7-15. Each participant accumulates points through a driving, chipping and putting skills competition. What makes this program unique is that boys and girls who advance through all three stages of qualifiers in each age category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament.
An important golf initiative designed to inspire youth interest in the life-long game, the program is supported equally by the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America.
“The Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship is near and dear to my heart for two reasons,” said Mark Lammi, vice president of golf operations at Reynolds Lake Oconee. “First, as a PGA member, I believe our greatest opportunity to sustain this wonderful game long-term is through the engagement of today’s youth. Second, as a father of four, I have seen firsthand how today’s juniors become interested in new challenges, and it is much different than when I was growing up. The most successful methods are fast, fun, and competitive, and the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship has all three of these elements.”
Qualifying opens May 1 throughout all 50 states. In just two years, the successful program has experienced major growth in registration and interest. More about this opportunity for age-eligible youth may be found at www.drivechipandputt.com.
