It’s the stuff of dreams, playing on the course at Augusta National Golf Club, widely viewed as one of the best courses in the world and home to the Masters Tournament. Now, imagine being a child who loves the sport of golf–and getting the chance to play Augusta, in a televised championship…and being one of the winners?
Such was the case of fantasy turned reality for Wilton 11-year-old Meghan Lane, who this past weekend competed at the Georgia course in the Masters’ Drive, Chip and Putt National Championships. Meghan won the Putting competition for in the 10-11 girls age division and came in 3rd overall in that group.
Wilton’s Bob Carney is a contributing editor at Golf Digest magazine, where he was the creative director for 26 years. He was very impressed with her accomplishment and said the event was meaningful for all involved.
“You have no idea what a big deal it is in golf to be at Augusta much less compete there,” Carney said. “Meghan is part of a breakthrough effort here. At a time when golf is trying to stay relevant and appeal to kids, this televised event at Augusta National, every golfers dream, was huge. The fact that the PGA, The USGA and Augusta collaborated on it may be even more important. And for the kids involved, it’s a wonderful, indelible memory.”
In fact, getting to compete at the Drive, Chip and Putt Championships was a feat in itself. Local and sectional qualifying rounds last summer winnowed down the original pool of 15,000 entrants to Sunday’s total field of 88 competitors–11 in each of the four age groups, divided by boys and girls.
The championships were also covered live on the Golf Channel.
Something tells us Meghan Lane is a name we’ll see on many more leader boards in the future.
photos courtesy drivechipandputt.com