Augusta, GA

Augusta National’s Drive, Chip & Putt final is one of the coolest days in golf

Published

2 years ago

April 2, 2023

Press Room

Augusta National’s Drive, Chip & Putt final is one of the coolest days in golf

By:

Zephyr Melton

April 2, 2023

The Drive, Chip & Putt nationwide finals at Augusta Nationwide offers loads of memorable moments.

Getty Photographs

AUGUSTA, Ga. — It’s arduous to have a nasty time at Augusta Nationwide — particularly when it’s your first time.

For the opponents on the Drive, Chip & Putt nationwide closing, even stepping foot on property is a thrill. There’s nothing like spending a day on these hallowed grounds. And to expertise it with childlike pleasure? It doesn’t get a lot better.

“It’s clearly heaven,” mentioned Jake Sheffield, who gained the boys 14-15 division. “This grass nearly doesn’t appear actual. It’s simply excellent. For a golfer it’s simply excellent.”

As the professionals competing within the Masters trickled by way of the gates and down Magnolia Lane Sunday morning, so too did 80 children competing within the DCP closing. You can see Bernhard Langer beating balls on the vary, flanked by a troop of 8-year-old boys grooving their swings. Or Mike Weir rolling putts on the apply inexperienced as a fleet of 10-year-old women dialed of their short-game really feel. Age is however a quantity on days like these.

As the children shuffled between the driving vary and the 18th inexperienced, Jordan Spieth frolicked beneath the huge oak tree exterior the clubhouse sporting his inexperienced jacket. Close by, little bucket-hat-clad Sammy Spieth performed within the grass. On the first tee, Scott Stallings blasted a drive down the golf green whereas keen patrons appeared on. All of the whereas, Drive, Chip & Putt opponents shuttled between the apply services and the 18th gap, stopping solely to gape at their heroes.

This scene at Augusta Nationwide is uncommon. It solely occurs every year. And, till lately, nowadays by no means occurred in any respect. The occasion was based simply 9 years in the past, and ever since, it’s allowed the celebs of tomorrow a sneak peak at competing on the grandest stage in golf. The purpose was to create a improvement competitors geared toward rising the sport. Listening to contestants communicate after the competitors, it appears we now have a mission achieved.

“Simply coming right here was surreal,” mentioned women 12-13 winner Maya Palanza Gaudin. “I’ve all the time needed to return to Augusta. It’s among the finest golf programs on this planet and that drove me to apply to attempt to play higher.”

After Maya obtained her trophy, she noticed newly-crowned Augusta Nationwide Girls’s Beginner champion Rose Zhang mingling with followers.

“Rose! I gained my age division!”

“No method! You made it a lot additional in Drive, Chip & Putt than I ever did.”

Defending Masters champ Scottie Scheffler made an look as effectively. As soon as the opponents got here off the course, Scheffler congratulated them and took footage with the wide-eyed children. Exterior the rope line, mother and father beamed with satisfaction, snapping footage on their digital cameras (no telephones, bear in mind?), saving the recollections that can final a lifetime.

Drive, Chip & Putt could be new to the Masters Week traditions, however that doesn’t make it any much less particular. Days like these are a celebration. Not solely of the arduous work it took to get right here, but in addition of the feat of getting competed on the identical grounds that Hogan and Participant and Nicklaus and Woods did.

This gained’t be the final time they get that chance, although. Subsequent time they’re right here, it might effectively be for the Masters or the ANWA. So long as this custom retains up, it should certainly encourage them to return.

Zephyr Melton

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com the place he spends his days running a blog, producing and modifying. Previous to becoming a member of the crew at GOLF, he attended the College of Texas adopted by stops with the Texas Golf Affiliation, Group USA, the Inexperienced Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all issues instruction and covers beginner and ladies’s golf. He could be reached at zephyr_melton@golf.com.

Source link

Augusta, GA

George Crouser Obituary January 17, 2025 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors

Published

5 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

George Crouser Obituary January 17, 2025 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors

George A. Crouser, age 73, passed away peacefully Friday, January 17, 2025 in Augusta, GA with family by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Madeline; daughters: Sarah (Tony) Lonaker of Findlay, Ohio and Stacey (Kurt Williams) Wright of Augusta, Georgia; step-daughters: Lisa (Wes) Grate of Cincinnati, Ohio and Amanda (Eric) Sobul of Willoughby, Ohio; grandchildren: Ady, Shane, Maddie, Bella, Scout, and Wylie; and former spouse: Sharee.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and June (nee Dunn) Crouser, and brother, John Crouser.

George was born May 23, 1951 in Painesville, Ohio. He attended Harvey High School, Class of 1969, where he was a multi-sport letterman. He was a jack-of-all-trades but found his career working in nuclear plants in Ohio, New Hampshire, and found his way to Augusta.

George loved listening to music, amassing a massive record collection, and attending concerts. In his spare time, George could be found playing billiards in different leagues. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Guardians but loved Ohio State the most.

All services are private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Heart Association of The National Kidney Foundation.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Father arrested after Harlem child shoots himself with unsecured gun

Published

13 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Father arrested after Harlem child shoots himself with unsecured gun

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A Harlem child was transfered to a local hospital after shooting himself in the shoulder, according to the Harlem Police Department.

Officials say the Harlem Police Department responded to the 200 block of North Fairview Drive just after 8 p.m. Thursday in reference to a gunshot wound.

Deputies say they offered aid to the juvenile until the Fire Department and EMS arrived.

According to authorities, the child found an unsecured gun in his father’s room and shot himself in the shoulder.

Deputies say the child was alert and conscious and is expected to make a full recovery.

Spencer Johnson has been arrested on a charge of cruelty to children in the second degree and has been transported to the Columbia County Detention Center, according to officials.

This case is still under investigation.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Deputies warn of phone scams impacting Augusta community

Published

21 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Deputies warn of phone scams impacting Augusta community

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Friday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to the public regarding a phone scam targeting the Augusta community.

The sheriff’s office says scammers are using tactics, including spoofing phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from the sheriff’s office, court services and other services.

The current scam involves callers impersonating sheriff’s office employees, demanding payment for services such as release from detention, electronic monitoring or other fees, according to deputies.

The sheriff’s office says in a recent case, a scammer posing as “Sgt. John Lewis” demanded over $300 for a leg monitor. The scammer later requested additional funds, directing the victim to provide payment via a bar code at a retail store.

The phone number, 706-821-1000, which is the official Richmond County Sheriff’s Office line, was spoofed during the scam to lend credibility to the fraudulent calls, deputies say.

Key reminders to avoid being scammed:

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says they will never demand payment over the phone.
If you receive a call that seems suspicious, hang up immediately and contact the agency or business directly by looking up the official number on their website.
Avoid providing money or personal information to unknown individuals, especially when payment methods involve gift cards, bar codes, wire transfers, debit cards or other non-traditional methods.

The sheriff’s office says to report the scam immediately to local law enforcement.

For questions or to report suspicious activity, contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1000.

Source link