The Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals still brings all the feels

AUGUSTA, Ga. — It’s been referred to by some as the happiest day in golf. Judging by the smiles on display Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club, it’s hard not to buy into the title.

The Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals turned 12 this week, making it older than many of the 80 girls and boys competitors in the event. Its mission continues the same as as when it started in 2014: attract young players to the game and inspire a lifelong passion for golf.

“This event remains one of the most meaningful endeavors in the history of our club,” Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said.

The chance to compete at Augusta National is a genuine thrill for the participants. But it’s also a bit harrowing, playing at the iconic venue with everything broadcast live on the Golf Channel.

“I was really nervous but at the same time I was also excited because it was going to be a fun experience at Augusta,” said Riley Huang, who won the Girls 7-9 division.

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Ava Chen holed a 15-foot putt to win the the Girls 10-11 group.

Hector Vivas

If you think the kids are anxious, well talk to some of the parents following their loved ones around. “It’s funny, I tell people that last year when we were here, it was the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life and I was just sitting there watching,” said Justin Harris, whose 10-year-old daughter Perri was competing for a second straight year.

Justin said it was a bit easier this time around, at least until Perri wound up in a putt-off with Ava Chen on Augusta’s 18th green for the Girls 10-11 title. Perri’s putt just burned the edge, only for Chen to roll the 15-footer into hole.

“It’s amazing,” said Chen, before joining a seemingly endless line of hugs come from friends and family who made their way from Brooklyn, N.Y., to share in the moment.

Perri Harris felt the same way, although losing in a playoff at Augusta National came with a little bit of irony for the elementary school student from Bowling Green, Ky. In 2009, her grandfather Kenny Perry lost in extra holes at the Masters to Angel Cabrera.

2026 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals

Perri Harris competes during Sunday’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.

Thomas Lovelock

Perry (the senior) couldn’t make it to Augusta to watch, but passed along encouragement from back home in Kentucky. Perri (the junior) said the best piece of advice her grandfather has given her is “To never give up and always keep trying.” That’s what she’ll do moving forward.

It’s been more than six months that most of the participants qualified for this year’s DCP national finals, the anticipation for the event building. Not surprisingly, the day flew by for many.

“It’s surreal,” said Texas Terry, winner of the Boys 12-13 division. “You look around and you have to touch the grass to make sure it’s real.”

“It’s really difficult to get here,” said Shane Murphy, a 15-year-old from Hawaii, “but once you’re here it’s a dream come true.”