An Evans boy won Drive, Chip & Putt for the boys 12-13 division at the Augusta National Golf Club.  That's a first in the 10 years the tournament has been held here for girls and boys ages 7-15 that Augusta has had a local winner.

13-year-old Kip Madison, a home-schooler from Evans, won his age group with a 252.7-yard drive and a score of 5 feet 8 inches in chipping, and 3 feet 11 inches in putting.

Madison's younger brother, Zane, competed in the boys 7-9 division in 2022.

There were 80 junior golfers representing 31 U.S. states, one Canadian province and Australia who had received invitations to play in today's Drive, Chip & Putt national finals.

Each participant attempts down a 40-yard fairway.  Drives must finish in the fairway to score points.

Each participant attempts three 10-15 yard chips at the scoring hole.  Chips are measured from the center of the hole with scoring rings.

Each participant attempts one putt from 6', 15' and 30'.  Putts are measured from the enter of the hole with scoring rings.

The event was founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United states Golf Association and the PGA of America.  Organizers said the goal was to grow the game for youth by focusing on the three fundamental skills of driving, chipping and putting.

Participants play in qualifiers around the country.  Those who advance through local, sub-regional and regional qualifiers in each age/gender category earn a place in the National finals, which is played the Sunday before Masters week begins.

There are 88 players in the field.  One more could be added as the winner of the Valero Texas Open.   Of the 88 in the field, 13 are LIV golfers.

Gates open at 8 am and close 30 minutes after play has ended.

A reminder that no cell phones are allowed on the course at any time during the week.  Cameras are allowed during the practice rounds on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but not once the tournament begins on Thursday.

Also keep in mind that all facilities at Augusta National Golf Club are cashless.  Credit cards and debit cards are the only accepted methods of payment at concession stands, merchandise shops and shipping locations.

For more information, visit www.masters.com.

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