Author: N
As the 2015 Masters draws closer, two local Utah players prepare to participate in A Tradition Unlike Any Other. How often do you have a past Masters Champion and an 11 year old girl from the same state, compete on the same track in the same week? We dare to say, never.
The 2003 Masters Champion and Utah resident Mike Weir took time on Wednesday to give advice to a junior who is about to embark on one of the greatest journeys she’s been on up to this point in her 11 years. Berlin Long of Alpine, Utah is one of 80 junior golfers who will be competing in the Drive, Chip & Putt National Championship this coming Sunday, April 5th. It will truly be the chance of a life time for those young players.
In the summer of 2014, thousands of juniors played in local qualifiers across the country and tried to qualify for the National Drive, Chip and Putt event. Over 400 kids tried in Utah at 4 separate local qualifiers. The next step was a Sub-Regional qualifier and then on to the Regional qualifier which was conducted by the Utah Section PGA at Promontory Ranch. Kids came from all over, including one from Alaska, one from Mexico and even one from Canada. Eight kids qualified that day at Promontory at the Regional qualifier, and our own Berlin Long was one of them.
“I’ll tell you a secret”, Mike told Berlin. “The 18th green at August National doesn’t break as much as you would think.” He also gave Berlin a few swing tips on the driving range. What an incredible opportunity for both of them. Mike was very gracious and willing to mentor Berlin which is something she won’t ever forget.
The National Drive, Chip and Putt event will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel on Sunday, April 5th.
Best of luck to both of them.
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For more information on Drive, Chip and Putt, including registering for local qualifiers, visit drivechipandputt.com