The 18th green at Augusta National is typically reserved for the high-stakes conclusion of the Masters, but on Sunday, April 5, 2026, it played host to a different kind of drama. In a nail-biting finish that mirrored the intensity of professional championship golf, the Girls 7-9 division of the 12th Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals culminated in a sudden-death putting playoff to crown a champion.
Riley Huang, a 9-year-old from Palo Alto, California, emerged victorious after a tense battle with Patricia Kittivat of Schaumburg, Illinois. The two had tied for first place after completing the three core skills categories, forcing a showdown on the hallowed turf of the Augusta National Golf Club. In a display of poise that belied her age, Huang sank two consecutive putts to secure the title, including a final clutch shot that drew applause from the gathered patrons.
“It feels awesome, and I’m really happy about winning,” Huang said following the victory. “The trophy was really heavy.”
Huang was one of eight champions crowned from a field of 80 participants. The event serves as a critical pipeline for youth golf, blending the pressure of competition with the inspiration of the game’s greatest legends. As the children competed, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of youthful exuberance and professional reverence, with Masters competitors practicing nearby and past champions donning their Green Jackets to honor the winners.
Champions Across the Divisions
The 2026 finals showcased a wide array of talent, from the raw power of the teenagers to the precision of the youngest competitors. In the Girls 14-15 division, Nirvika Koduru of Boca Raton, Florida, dominated with a massive 257-yard drive and a successful 30-foot putt to claim the top spot. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Lucy Cui of Honolulu swept her division by sinking both of her putts.
The Girls 10-11 category was won by Ava Chen of Brooklyn, New York, who impressed the crowd by holing a challenging uphill 30-footer and placing a chip shot within 10 inches of the hole. On the boys’ side, the 10-11 division title went to Stephen Sanders Jr. Of Grand Prairie, Kansas, who paired a 245-yard drive with a precise putt to within 10 inches.
In the Boys 12-13 group, Austin native “Texas Terry” secured his victory in his second appearance as a National Finalist. Terry reached 250 yards with his drive and finished with a combined putting distance of just 2 feet, 14 inches. The victory was made more poignant when Terry received his trophy from Rory McIlroy.
“It was amazing. I always dreamed it would be Rory,” Terry said. “He’s one of the best golfers in the world; he’s one of my favorites. My grandmother, who passed away recently, he was her favorite golfer. So it meant a ton.”
The oldest boys’ division (14-15) was won by Arno Wehle of San Jose, California. Wehle utilized a unique mental visualization technique to master the greens, comparing the target areas to “a big pizza” to help him lag the ball effectively. He capped his performance with a chip to within 7 inches of the hole.
Rounding out the winners was 9-year-old Roy Moon of Bellevue, Washington, who won the Boys 7-9 division. Moon provided the day’s most lighthearted moment during a post-victory interview; when asked how he and his family would celebrate, he replied, “We’re gonna probably party all night,” a comment that quickly gained traction online.
We’re gonna probably party all night.
Roy Moon
A Legacy of Professional Success
While the event is framed as a youth competition, the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals have a documented history of identifying future stars. The program’s impact is evident in the current rosters of the PGA and LPGA Tours. Akshay Bhatia, who tied for sixth in the 12-13 division during the inaugural 2014 event, eventually became the first former participant to earn an invitation to the Masters. Bhatia is scheduled to compete in his third Masters this week.
The influence extends deeply into the women’s game as well. Former finalists include Lucy Li, who won the 11-12 division in 2014 before becoming the youngest qualifier for the U.S. Women’s Open at age 11. Other notable alumni include Alexa Pano, a two-time winner, and Yana Wilson, who claimed victories in 2019 and 2021. The pipeline remains robust, with 10 players in the current Augusta National Women’s Amateur having previously competed in the National Finals.
LPGA Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez, who watched the 2026 proceedings, noted the unique magic of the setting. “These kids are so adorable,” Lopez said. “They’re having the best time. Here’s just a special place and opportunity to be here at Augusta National doing this.”
| Division | Champion | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Girls 7-9 | Riley Huang | Palo Alto, CA |
| Boys 7-9 | Roy Moon | Bellevue, WA |
| Girls 10-11 | Ava Chen | Brooklyn, NY |
| Boys 10-11 | Stephen Sanders Jr. | Grand Prairie, KS |
| Girls 12-13 | Lucy Cui | Honolulu, HI |
| Boys 12-13 | Texas Terry | Austin, TX |
| Girls 14-15 | Nirvika Koduru | Boca Raton, FL |
| Boys 14-15 | Arno Wehle | San Jose, CA |
New Rules and Next Steps
The 12th edition of the finals introduced a new pacing element to the competition. For the first time, an extra half point was awarded for every attempt completed in 40 seconds or less. This addition was designed to encourage decisive play, and officials noted that the vast majority of participants successfully met this time requirement.
The event serves as the ultimate curtain-raiser for the Masters Tournament. With the youth finals concluded, the focus now shifts to the 90th Masters, which begins a week from today. The transition from the playful energy of the Drive, Chip and Putt finals to the rigid traditions of the professional tournament marks the annual cycle of golf at Augusta National.
The next major checkpoint for the golf world is the commencement of the 90th Masters Tournament, where the world’s top professionals will vie for the Green Jacket on the same course that, just days prior, celebrated the raw potential of the next generation.
Do you have a favorite memory of the Masters or a tip for youth golfers starting their journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
