Tri-Cities youth golfer headed to National Finals in Augusta
RICHLAND, Wash. — Drive, Chip & Putt is a nationwide youth golf development initiative for boys and girls ages 7 to 15. It’s designed to inspire a new generation to choose golf as a lifetime pursuit. The top performers at local and regional competitions each year earn the opportunity to go on and compete in the national finals at one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the world, the Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. The 2023 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals tees off on Sunday, April 2.
One of those performers comes from right here in the Tri-Cities, and this 9-year-old has got a serious game.
Emily Nguyen is headed from the Evergreen State to the Peach State as one of the DCP National Finalists for 2023. She said she thinks she’s going to enjoy the views while she’s there in Georgia.
Her feet have been on the green for a long time, from following her dad with her siblings as he recreationally golfed when she was younger, to now. Two years after picking up a putter for the first time, to getting to attend nationals for Drive, Chip and Putt.
“Last year, it was the first year that Emily did Drive, Chip and Putt and we were blown away. She did really well and got to the regional qualifier and we didn’t believe we were going to get there,” said Emily’s father, Richard Nguyen.
The goal of the initiative is to focus on the three fundamental skills golfers use: driving, chipping and putting.
“My favorite part about golfing is the chipping, probably because it’s one of the hardest things and also because I like just practicing,” Emily said.
Neither Emily or her father seemed nervous about the national competition.
“I figured the hard part is over, that she actually qualified for Augusta. Obviously if she wins, it would be pretty exciting, but I don’t want to put pressure on her,” said Richard.
“I feel excited and I don’t really have nerves,” said Emily. “I do fine under pressure. So, I think I’m going to perform fine.”
She’s got a few more weeks of practice in the Tri-Cities before taking on one of the best and biggest greens in the country.
“Practice. Practice makes perfect,” Emily Nguyen said.
Emily is one of ten girls in her division, who have all competed at local, sub-regional and regional qualifiers to get to this final tournament.
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