My experience at Drive, Chip, and Putt was absolutely amazing! Every little thing about it was spectacular! The first thing that made me want to participate in Drive, Chip, and Putt was when I watched the Short Game. The movie isn’t about Drive, Chip, and Putt but it inspired me to take part in a major golf event.

My first qualifier was in Missoula, Montana at Canyon River Golf Club. When I arrived they gave me a tee gift that came with four ball markers and a divot repair tool. The brands on the ball markers were, Drive, Chip, and Putt, Masters, USGA, and PGA Championship. I felt a lot of pressure in this qualifier since it was my first time there and I wanted to get on to the second stage.  I placed first in Montana scoring 121 points. 26 in driving ( I missed the grid on one drive), 40 in chipping, and 55 in putting. That performance made me very happy. I met a kid from Taber, Alberta who I had played with before in a different tournament in Lethbridge. I didn’t realize that until a month after.

My second qualifier in Cle Elum, Washington at Tumble Creek Golf Club was my best performance ever! I didn’t feel as much pressure in this qualifier because of the way I played the month before in Montana. I placed first in Washington as well scoring 154 points. 44 in driving, 50 in chipping, and 60 in putting. That was by far my best performance throughout the whole competition. I was happy to hit all 3 drives in the grid. It really boosted my score! When I was there I met a girl from Rocky Mountain House named Saylar May. She won her age division as well.

My third qualifier was in University Place, Washington at Chambers Bay. In this competition I knew that if I won like I did in the last two qualifiers I would go to Augusta National. I think putting so much pressure on myself messed me up a little bit. I placed fifth there scoring 106 points. 29 in driving (missed the grid on one drive), 26 in chipping, and 51 in putting. I couldn’t figure out the way the greens were rolling on the chipping. I sunk my first two putts then missed the grid on the last putt because I stubbed my putter on the ground.

I was shocked to see that Tom Gramblicka showed up to watch me. He was trying to hide behind Cody but I had seen him already. Cody and I played Chambers Bay the following day, both shooting 78. It was an honour to play and see a U.S Open course! I didn’t get to Augusta this year but it is bound to happen next year! We will keep you posted as the year goes on!

Written by Tyler Kidd, Age 11.

Follow along on Instagram @kiddsgotgame

A look back on Tyler's first year participating in Drive, Chip & Putt in 2018.