Pinehurst, NC – The road to Augusta National came through Pinehurst on Sunday, September 13, as 96 junior golfers gathered at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club for the Drive, Chip & Putt Regional Qualifier. As one of just 10 Regional Qualifiers held across the country, Pinehurst marked the final stop on the journey to Augusta for eight age divisions. By the end of an unforgettable day of competition, eight juniors had earned the opportunity of a lifetime: a trip to the 2027 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club.

The Pinehurst Regional brought together 96 talented junior golfers, with strong representation from the Carolinas and surrounding states, including Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. The field also showcased the far-reaching impact of Drive, Chip & Putt, with competitors making their way to Pinehurst from as far as California, Canada and India. Together, they arrived at one of golf’s most iconic destinations ready to take the final step in their journey toward Augusta National. 

Reaching the Regional stage at Pinehurst was an accomplishment in itself. Each of the 96 juniors began their Drive, Chip & Putt journey at a Local Qualifier before advancing through a Sub-Regional Qualifier to earn their spot at Pinehurst.

For the Carolinas, Sunday proved especially memorable. Six of the eight juniors who earned invitations to Augusta qualified through the Carolinas, an incredible showing for junior golf throughout the Section.

Congratulations to the Eight Pinehurst Regional Champions:

Girls 7-9: Scarlett Smith – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina | Overall score: 115 (Drive: 15, Chip: 35, Putt: 65)

Boys 7-9: Evan Pak – Pinehurst, North Carolina | Overall score: 117 (Drive: 40, Chip: 27, Putt: 50)

Girls 10-11: Zoe Crosby – Simpsonville, South Carolina | Overall score: 125 (Drive: 40, Chip: 35, Putt: 50)

Boys 10-11: Jake McGuire – Lilburn, Georgia | Overall score: 143 (Drive: 42, Chip: 36, Putt: 65)

Girls 12-13: Eloise Fetzer – Daniel Island, South Carolina | Overall score: 144 (Drive: 52, Chip: 32, Putt: 60)

Boys 12-13:  Hudson Knapp – Marietta, Georgia | Overall score: 176 (Drive: 66, Chip: 40, Putt: 70)

Girls 14-15: Rabab Kahlon – Mohali, India | Overall score: 139 (Drive: 59, Chip: 35, Putt: 45)

Boys 14-15: Carter  Martin – Concord, North Carolina | Overall score: 168 (Drive: 61, Chip: 37, Putt: 70)

For several of Sunday’s champions, the trip to Augusta will not be their first, adding another chapter to already impressive Drive, Chip & Putt journeys. For others, April will mark their first opportunity to compete on the grounds of Augusta National. Whether returning or experiencing it for the first time, each champion earned their place through three stages of competition and a journey that began months before Sunday’s Regional.

Now, the road leads to Augusta.

The eight Pinehurst Regional champions will compete in the 2027 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals on Sunday, April 4, 2027, at Augusta National Golf Club, on the eve of Masters week. Fans throughout the Carolinas and beyond can tune in to Golf Channel to watch the competition live and cheer on the next generation of the game.

The Carolinas PGA and PGA REACH Carolinas congratulate all 96 juniors who competed at Pinehurst, along with the families, PGA Professionals and volunteers who supported them throughout their Drive, Chip & Putt journeys. Reaching the Regional stage is an accomplishment worth celebrating, and we look forward to following the eight champions as they make their way from Pinehurst to Augusta National.

Stay tuned in the months ahead as the Carolinas PGA shares more of the stories behind our advancing juniors and follows their journeys to the National Finals

View the full leaderboard from the Pinehurst Regional Qualifier

View photos from the Pinehurst Regional Qualifier

Learn more about Drive, Chip & Putt