Posted April 8, 2013, 3:45 pm

The Drive, Chip and Putt Contest announced

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne announced the start of the The Drive, Chip and Putt Contest on Monday, which will hold the championship finals at Augusta National the Sunday the week before the Masters Tournament. Payne made the announcment alongside Glen Nager (USGA) and Ted Bishop (PGA of America).

The free, nationwide junior skills competition is open to boys and girls, aged 7-15, with different categories based on ages and gender. The plan is to open the gates on Sunday for the championship and allow several thousand patrons to watch.

There will be qualifying events for participants to make it to Augusta.

"No doubt we believe April the 6th, 2014 will be a special day for these kids," Payne said during the announcement Monday afternoon.