UPDATE REGARDING THE DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT NATIONAL FINALS AND 2020-21 QUALIFYING SEASON
AUGUSTA, Ga. – On March 13, it was announced that the 2020 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals had been postponed due to the impact of the Coronavirus COVID-19. After thoughtful deliberation, and with the guidance of public health experts, the Founding Partners have provided the following update:
1. The 2020-21 Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying season, set to begin May 2, will be canceled, given the continued effect of COVID-19 on scheduling during the time period critical to the success of local qualifying. Ultimately, the Founding Partners determined cancellation was the most responsible measure to take in protecting the health of everyone involved in this national endeavor, which includes tens of thousands of participants, their families and all those essential to staging hundreds of qualifying events across all 50 states.
2. This year’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals originally scheduled for April 5, 2020, will be rescheduled for April 4, 2021, the eve of the Masters Tournament. Each National Finalist will be invited to compete at Augusta National Golf Club in the same age division for which he or she previously qualified in 2020, regardless of their age on that date. Purchasers of Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals tickets will be sent a refund in May and guaranteed the opportunity to purchase tickets for the National Finals next year.
“As deeply disappointing as it is for us to make this very difficult decision, it’s clearly the right thing to do for all involved,” said Stu Francis, president of the USGA. “We look forward to seeing everyone play golf again, especially these juniors whose talent, joy and drive to compete inspire all of us.”
“We share in the disappointment of all those who were anticipating the start of Drive, Chip and Putt local qualifying, as well as this year’s National Finalists, who worked so hard to prepare for this April,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “These decisions protect the health and well-being of the program’s many important constituents and were made independently from our Masters Tournament rescheduling efforts. With no qualifying this summer, we are pleased to maintain this wonderful tradition by welcoming these 80 boys and girls to Augusta National next April.”
“We feel tremendous empathy for the girls and boys across America who will not be able to participate in Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying events throughout our PGA Sections this year,” said Suzy Whaley, president of the PGA of America. “However, in the interest of everyone’s health and safety during this unprecedented time, the difficult decision to cancel the qualifying season is the one and only choice that can be made. We are grateful that this year’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalists will have a special opportunity to compete at Augusta National next year. These outstanding junior golfers deserve to follow their dreams, which they worked so hard to achieve, and we all look forward to cheering them on.”
Registration for the next year’s qualifying season is expected to open early 2021. For more information on Drive, Chip and Putt and future updates, please visit DriveChipandPutt.com.
2020 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals / 2020-2021 Qualifying Season COVID-19 Update FAQs
Why was the 2020-2021 qualifying season canceled? Due to the impact of the Coronavirus COVID-19, and with the guidance of public health experts, the Founding Partners determined cancellation was the most responsible measure to take in protecting the health of everyone involved in this national endeavor, which includes tens of thousands of participants, their families and all those essential to staging hundreds of qualifying events across all 50 states.
When can I sign up for a local qualifier for next year’s season? Registration for next year’s qualifying season (2021-2022) is expected to open early 2021. Future updates will be shared on drivechipandputt.com and the DCP social media channels.
Will the same qualifying sites be available next year? Due to scheduling logistics, each qualifying season will include varied dates and venues. Next year’s qualifying schedule is expected to be released early 2021.
Will the age divisions change next year? Age divisions will remain the same for the 2021-2022 qualifying season. Eligibility and age division for each participant will be dependent upon his or her age as of the 2022 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals (Sunday April 3, 2022).
My child was supposed to participant in the 14-15 age division this year. Will he/she be able to compete next year? How does this impact my child’s eligibility for Drive, Chip and Putt? Drive, Chip and Putt is open to participants ages 7-15. Eligibility and age division for each participant is dependent upon his or her age as of the 2022 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals (Sunday April 3, 2022). If your child will be 16 years old as of April 3, 2022, he or she will unfortunately not be eligible to participate.
What happens to the participants who qualified for this year’s National Finals? Has the event been rescheduled? This year’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals has been rescheduled for April 4, 2021, the eve of the Masters Tournament. Each National Finalist will be invited to compete at Augusta National Golf Club in the same age division for which he or she previously qualified in 2020, regardless of their age on that date.
Do I need to withdraw my participant from their Drive, Chip and Putt qualifier if he/she was already registered? No further action is required by those who were registered for a local qualifier this year.
How/when will I receive updates on the DCP qualifying season for next year? Drive, Chip and Putt will share future updates on drivechipandputt.com and the DCP social media channels.
When can I purchase tickets for the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals? Anyone wishing to purchase tickets for the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals must complete a 2021 ticket application during the application window, which is expected to take place in June 2020.
What if I purchased tickets to the 2020 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals that was rescheduled? Refunds will be issued to all patrons who purchased tickets from Augusta National Golf Club for this year’s National Finals. These refunds are expected to be processed in May. Patrons receiving refunds will be given the opportunity to purchase the same tickets for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals next year. In order to do so, a patron must complete a 2021 ticket application at drivechipandputt.com during the application window, which is expected to take place in June 2020. Additional details about this process will be sent at the time of the refund. Please visit the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals Ticket FAQ page for more information.
