This April, three Indiana junior golfers competed in the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta National Golf Club. Peyton Blackard, Drew Dunham and Satchel Pierce represented the Hoosier State, and their participation was tremendous.
Modeled after the NFL’s Punt, Pass and Kick Program, the Drive, Chip and Putt (DCP) initiative was created by the Masters Tournament Foundation, the USGA, and the PGA of America to promote interest and participation in the game of golf.
In this national skills competition, contestants ages 7-15 test their abilities in three aspects of the golf game: driving, chipping and putting. Points are awarded based on proximity for chipping and putting, and both accuracy and distance for the driving portion of competition.
Participants who advanced through local, sub-regional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earned a place in the National Finals, which was conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and broadcasted live by Golf Channel.
Photos Courtesy of Drive, Chip and Putt
Peyton Blackard
Hometown: Fort Branch, Ind.
Age Group: Boys 7-9
Finish: T1st place via points but received 2nd place in a playoff
Competition Highlight: Making his 15 ft putt to finish 2nd in the putting portion of the competition
Satchel Pierce
Hometown: Bristol, Ind.
Age Group: Boys 10-11
Finish: 2nd place
Competition Highlight: Averaged a 233 yard drive to take first place in the Driving portion of the competition
Drew Dunham
Hometown: Angola, Ind.
Age Group: Boys 12-13
Finish: T3rd place
Competition highlight: Receiving 2nd place in the Chip portion of the competition