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AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Drive, Chip and Putt contest was held Sunday, after hundreds of qualifiers were held all over the country leading up to the big event.
80 of the best golfers ages 15 and younger competed, and 2 of those are very familiar with the area, making the day even more special for them.
“The best part of it was I enjoyed it and I had fun,” said Shane Strickland, 9 years old from Aiken, S.C.
At just 9 years old, Shane Strickland of Aiken is experiencing something most golfers never will. Playing at Augusta National Golf Club in the 2025 Drive, Chip and Putt Contest.
“I felt good, I also wanted to smile, but I knew I had to stay focused,” said Strickland.
Strickland was one of 80 young golfers who played on Sunday, placing second in the chipping contest.
“I was kind of hoping to place 1st in chipping, but I guess that kid did better than me. And well, there’s always going to be someone better than you,” said Strickland.
But he wasn’t the only one representing the Augusta area, 13-year-old Colton Johnson is from Appling.
“It’s just such a big deal down here. It means so much. It was just so excited to be able to compete,” said Colton Johnson, 13-years-old from Augusta.
Both boys have been playing since they were young. Johnson started at 4, and Strickland just 2-years-old, so it only made sense that their dads would be their caddies for the big day.
“It means so much, we’ve gone through everything with me, all of the ups and downs. So when I found out that I could have a caddie I knew exactly who I wanted it to be right then,” said Johnson.
Although Sunday’s contest has come to an end, for these two, the chase for a Green Jacket may have just begun.
“That’s what I’m headed for, but you never know,” said Strickland.
“It’s definitely a confidence booster and I’m going to work hard to get back here next year,” said Johnson.
And like most golfers, these kids have some superstitions of their own when they head out to the course. Strickland wears two different colored socks and Johnson makes a dot to the right of the number on his ball.
Qualifying begins May 2nd for next year’s contest. Just head to DriveChipAndPutt.com to register.
