Contributed by Terry Heyer, Youth Golf Foundation
This time of year is tough on golfers. Snow, wind, and cold certainly take their toll on golf courses, and they take a similar toll on those who want to get out and play. Watching a tournament in Hawaii brings temporary relief, but it’s just not the same.
Well, here’s something to look forward to and lift our spirits. It involves a 9-year old boy who has honed his golf skills on the Lake Monticello golf course. Lucas Dunaway has qualified to appear in the Drive, Chip, and Putt competition held on the Sunday before the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. He is the first youth golfer from our area who has ever made it to the finals.
How did he do it? The Drive, Chip, and Putt competition begins with approximately 50,000 kids competing at over 350 courses across the country. There are four age categories for both boys and girls: 7-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15. Three rounds determine who will advance: local, sub-regional, and regional. Lucas finished first in each of these! This qualified him to play in the National Finals at Augusta, where a total of 80 young golfers will vie for the championship.
In each of the above rounds, winners are not determined by scores on a course. Instead, points are awarded on length of drive; how close chip shots are to the hole; and how close putts are to the hole. That will also be the routine at the National Finals.
Lucas, a fourth grader, has been sharpening his skills at the Lake Monticello course for some time. He has participated in various instruction groups and played in the PGA Junior League, two groups supported by the Youth Golf Foundation. And he has taken lessons from club pro Mark Marshall. Of course, he has received considerable support from his family. Driving to the various sessions, paying fees, completing forms—all require a willingness to adjust schedules and be present.
One might think all this success would be a lot to handle for this young man. But he takes it in stride because he regards his time on the golf course as fun—a lesson many of us might take to heart.
Be sure to tune in to the Golf Channel on April 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.to view the National Finals.
If you are interested in having your child learn the basics of golf, contact the Lake Monticello Pro Shop for schedules. The Youth Golf Foundation financially supports these programs.
