2020 Drive, Chip and Putt Finals rescheduled for 2021; 2020-21 qualifiers canceled

The Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, scheduled for April 5 at Augusta National Golf Club, have a new date.

The finals will be played on April 4, 2021, on the eve of the Masters Tournament, the club announced Friday morning. The 2020-21 Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying season has been canceled as a result.

“As deeply disappointing as it is for us to make this very difficult decision, it’s clearly the right thing to do for all involved,” said Stu Francis, president of the USGA. “We look forward to seeing everyone play golf again, especially these juniors whose talent, joy and drive to compete inspire all of us.”

According to a statement released by the club, all participants scheduled to play in this year’s finals will be invited to play on the newly scheduled date and compete in the same age bracket.

The founding partners felt it was the most responsible solution to cancel the 2020-21 qualifying season in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the release states.

“We share in the disappointment of all those who were anticipating the start of Drive, Chip and Putt local qualifying, as well as this year’s National Finalists, who worked so hard to prepare for this April,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament.

“These decisions protect the health and well-being of the program’s many important constituents and were made independently from our Masters Tournament rescheduling efforts. With no qualifying this summer, we are pleased to maintain this wonderful tradition by welcoming these 80 boys and girls to Augusta National next April.”

Registration for the 2021-22 qualifying season will begin in early 2021.

“We feel tremendous empathy for the girls and boys across America who will not be able to participate in Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying events throughout our PGA Sections this year,” said Suzy Whaley, president of the PGA of America.

“However, in the interest of everyone’s health and safety during this unprecedented time, the difficult decision to cancel the qualifying season is the one and only choice that can be made. We are grateful that this year’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalists will have a special opportunity to compete at Augusta National next year. These outstanding junior golfers deserve to follow their dreams, which they worked so hard to achieve, and we all look forward to cheering them on.”

Anyone who purchased tickets to this year’s finals will receive a refund by May and be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2021 event, according to the release.