Augusta National is the center of the golfing world in late March and early April. Yes, it hosts The Masters, always wrapping up on the second Sunday of April. However, over the last decade, Augusta National has opened its doors to a variety of golfers the weekend before Masters Monday when the crowds arrive for practice rounds and a glimpse at the course and professionals chasing the first major of the year.
On Saturday, the Augusta National Women's Amateur finishes its final round. That event hosts the best amateur women the game has to offer.
Then, on Sunday, the Drive, Chip, and Putt is contested on the pristine grounds. Eighty golfers ranging in age from 7-15 will compete for a national title after surviving three stages of qualifying — local, sub-local, and regional. Thousands of golfers compete in the local qualifying.
How does the whole thing work?
Each competitor earns points in the three categories. They will hit three drives down a 40-yard wide fairway, every drive in the fairway earns points. They will hit three chips of 10-15 yards. Then golfers will attempt one putt from 6 feet, 15 feet and 30 feet. Chips and putts are measured from the center of the hole with scoring rings.
Five New England golfers will compete on Sunday in the Drive, Chip, Putt national championship.