Player Pathways: TGA Golfers’ Success at Drive, Chip and Putt

March 31, 2020

TAGS: Drive Chip and Putt, Player Pathways

Unfortunately the national Drive, Chip and Putt competition has been canceled for 2020. The nationwide event, which culminates with final competition the Sunday before the Masters, was created in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association, and The PGA of America. The initiative was established to grow the game of golf by hosting fun competitions surrounding the three fundamental skills.

In 2019, more than 70 TGA of Southeast Michigan golfers participated in the qualifying rounds of Drive, Chip and Putt. We hope these experiences get you motivated to participate when the event returns in 2021.

How long have you played golf?

Lauren
I have been playing golf for eight years and TGA was my first experience. I participated in the camps since I was six.

Abby
I’ve played golf since before kindergarten, I’m in third grade now. I used to go putt and chip with my grandpa before my first TGA class. I’ve been taking TGA classes since kindergarten and I have gone to TGA summer camps the last two years at Maples. I’ve also done a couple TGA golf outings with my mom, grandpa and brother. One year I won the longest drive at an outing!!

Ryan
I didn’t choose golf as my first serious sport. My main sport was hockey and golf was just one of those things I did for fun. The TGA camps I attended were a great and casual introduction to competitive golf for me. As time went on, I started to realize that golf is an amazing sport and I really did want to be one of the best.

Ben
I started taking group lessons at Lincoln Hills Golf Course with my brothers when I was three since they were already taking lessons. TGA was my first competitive golf experience. It is where I played my first golf tournament.

Justin
I have been playing golf from the age of 6. TGA was my first experience with golf. I took my first golf class in a local school, once a week. My experience with TGA was amazing: I didn’t even have any golf clubs for the first few years, and TGA was providing me with loaners every time I took my next class or summer camp.

Did your experience with TGA help you prepare for the Drive, Chip and Putt experience?

Lauren
TGA helped me prepare for any situation I will come across.

Abby
By going to the TGA classes and camps I got better at driving, chipping, and putting. 😊

Ryan
The TGA camps helped to develop those feelings towards golf which in turn, helped me prepare for Drive, Chip and Putt events and competitive golf.

Ben
My TGA experiences as well as other golf experiences helped me prepare for Drive, Chip and Putt.

Justin
Yes, very much. Last summer was my first time playing at Drive, Chip and Putt. I went their right after my summer golf camp, and really enjoyed it. I took 3^rd place.

What was your favorite thing about participating in the DCP competition?

Lauren
My favorite part is the competition. I will participate in it next year.

Abby
My favorite thing was the driving because driving is my favorite. I will do it again this year, but I need to work on chipping because you can get a lot of points on chipping. I also like at the end how you get the awards.

Ryan
My favorite part about Drive, Chip and Putt had to be the idea of making it to nationals and being able to go to Augusta National. Although I never did as good as I wished, the competition aspect of it was amazing. Sadly, I am too old now to compete in another Drive, Chip and Putt.

Ben
My favorite part about the competition was making it to the second round. I am glad to have that experience and also compete with my brothers.

Justin
I liked it because I was competing against so many other kids that I have never met before. I will absolutely do it again next year, but maybe next time I shouldn’t tremble so much.

What do you want to do for a job when you grow up?

Lauren
My dream job would be to play in the LPGA tour.

Abby
I am not really sure, but I might be an engineer like my mom.

Ryan
When I was younger, my dream job would’ve been to be a goalie playing on a professional hockey team. Now that I’ve had a taste of success in golf, including TGA camps and Drive Chip and Putt, my dream job now is to become a professional golfer competing at the highest level.

Ben
I hope when I am older I am able to play professional golf.

Justin
I really do not know, but I am thinking of being either an inventor, a tennis player, or a golfer.

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Lauren
Rory McIlroy and Cameron Champ

Abby
Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings

Ryan
My role model is Dustin Johnson because his body type is similar to mine and he has a really good swing.

Ben
Tiger Woods

Justin
Roger Federer and Tiger Woods because I play both tennis and golf and watch them on TV often.