PGA of America To Introduce National Drive, Chip, and Putt Competition

On Monday the PGA of America in collaboration with the USGA announced the creation of the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship. Much like the NFL’s Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition, the PGA’s version will test junior golfers on their ability to hit drives, chip shots, and putts.

The event will begin with 110 local qualifiers and feature an estimated 17,600 participants. Regional qualifying will then take place at 11 venues across the country with 88 finalists advancing to the finals from four age groups. The finals will take place at Augusta National the Sunday before the Masters and will be aired on the Golf Channel.

Players will drive into a fairway that is 30 yards wide, have three chips from 3 to 10 yards, and putt from 6, 15, and 30 feet, with points being awarded based on proximity to the hole and length of each drive. The competition is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 15 and is being started in hopes that the event will increase junior participation in golf.

In addition to the increased interest in junior golf, the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship will allow patrons on the Augusta National property on a day when the property is normally closed to the public.

Local qualifying events will take place at courses in 19 states and Washington, D.C from June 1 to July 15th and regional qualifying will be conducted from August 1 to August 31st at courses in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

For more information about the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, including official rules, qualifying sites or to register, please visit www.DriveChipandPutt.com.