7th Grade Golfer Austin Liao Competed National Finals

A local seventh grader from Warren Middle School, Austin Liao recently competed at the Drive, Chip ,and Putt National Finals hosted by the Masters Tournament, USGA, and PGA of America. The event was held at Augusta National Golf Club, one of the most renowned golf sites in the world. Austin, who has been playing golf since the age of 4 years old, advanced through the local, sub-regional, and finally regional qualifier, to earn a spot as one of the ten national finalists for the boys twelve to thirteen age division. The morning of the competition competitors were able to experience what it was like to be a professional golfer entering the Masters tournament, after being driven down the exclusive Magnolia Lane. Austin absolutely in awe, was greeted by PGA professionals, past Masters champions, as well as some of the biggest names in golf history
The day of the finals each competitor was given two shots to gain a title in three categories, driving, chipping, and putting. During the drive portion of the competition, Austin drove his first shot 220 yards and his second shot 225 yards down the center of the fairway. For the chipping portion of the competition Austin was able to place 6th after chipping two balls a cumulative distance of 21″0′ away from the hole. Lastly was the putting portion of the competition, possibly the most exciting as it took place on the famous eighteenth hole of Augusta National. Austin was able to putt his second shot a distance of 3″0′ away from the hole
In the end, although not having received one of the top acknowledgements, Austin is still absolutely overjoyed at the fact that he was able to compete on national television and meet golf legends like Bubba Watson, Fred Couples, Nancy Lopez, as well as Annika Sorenstam. He hopes to advance through each qualifier again and come back with his family next year, in hopes to gain a spot as one of the top three golfers in the fourteen to fifteen age group. As for right now Austin would just like to thank his friends, family, and coaches for all their support in his love of golf. He would lastly like to thank the PGA, USGA, and Masters Tournament for giving him the opportunity to compete at Augusta National, meet fellow golfers around the nation, and spectate the Masters Tournament. This experience is one he describes as,”one that will stick with me throughout my entire golf career”.