Junior Golfers Punch Their Ticket to Pinehurst at Drive, Chip and Putt Sub-Regional Qualifier
The road to Augusta National made a crucial stop at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill on Sunday, August 9th, as top young talent from across the region gathered for the Drive, Chip and Putt Sub-Regional Qualifier.
Executing under pressure across three distinct disciplines, junior golfers competed for a coveted opportunity to advance to the Regional stage. Under Drive, Chip and Putt guidelines, only the top two overall point earners in each of the four age categories across both the boys and girls divisions advanced.
The top two finishers in each division have now secured their spots at the Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Qualifier, scheduled for September 13, 2026, at the iconic Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina. There, qualifiers will compete for a chance to earn a trip to the National Finals at Augusta National prior to the 2027 Masters Tournament.
The Alabama – NW Florida PGA congratulates each of the advancing junior golfers and extends its sincere gratitude to the staff and PGA Professionals at the RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill for hosting these young athletes!
Girls Division Qualifiers
In the Girls 7-9 division, Sarah Kang claimed top honors with an overall score of 128, joined by runner-up Sadie Hamner (120), both of whom punched their tickets to Pinehurst.
In the Girls 10-11 division, Mackenzie Brown took the top spot with a score of 109, while Fuller Denson placed second with 105 points to extend her Drive, Chip and Putt campaign.
In the Girls 12-13 division, Rowdy Ortega took the top spot with a score of 111, and Ryleigh Nelson placed second with 106 points to advance.
Finally, Emma Kate Rice turned in a solid 118-point performance to win the Girls 14-15 division, accompanied by runner-up Eden Joy Caceres (103) as the division’s advancing pair.
Boys Division Qualifiers
In the Boys 7-9 division, Noah Gourgeot posted an impressive 131 points, joined by runner-up Terry Groce III (104), both of whom punched their tickets to the next round.
The Boys 10-11 division saw strong performances at the top of the leaderboard, led by Crew Cawyer in first place (127) and Jake McGuire capturing the second advancing spot with a total of 122 points.
In the Boys 12-13 division, Jay Long led the field with 145 points, while Beckett Owenby finished close behind at 135 points to advance.
Rounding out the boys divisions, Brantley Shirley claimed top honors with an overall score of 129 to win the Boys 14-15 division, with Cade Warren earning the final Regional berth after scoring 122.