AUGUSTA, GA. – As the third-annual Drive, Chip and Putt came to a close Sunday, April 3, at Augusta National Golf Club, eight junior golfers –four boys and four girls—were named champions, including Illinois Junior Golf Association (IJGA) member Christian Kim of Vernon Hills.

Conducted in partnership between the Masters Tournament, the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is a free, nationwide youth golf development program open to boys and girls, ages 7-15, in four age categories.

In all, four IJGA members had advanced to the finals at Augusta National the Sunday before the Masters was set to begin.

In the Boys Division, Kim took champion honors in the 10-11 age group scoring a total of 26 points to edge out Nolan Haynes of Barberton, Ohio by one point. When asked about his day Kim said,

“I was like, really nervous because I wanted to make it so badly, and I wanted to win.”

Kim did not win any of the individual competitions, but a pair of nine-point showings in the driving and chipping categories was enough to help him earn his 26 points. Needing to come within 3’10” on his final putt, Kim came just inside 3’7” in a nail-biter to win it all.

“I was reading the other kids’ putts to see if was uphill or downhill. I’ve been practicing putting a lot, so I’ve improved a lot,” Kim said. “It’s been awesome. I’m really grateful for everything my family has done and to God for helping me win.”

Eric Klutke of Crystal Lake, scored a total of 7 points to T9 in the 12-13 age group.

In the Girls Division, Emily Duan of Schaumburg, placed T7 in the 10-11 age group scoring a total of 14 points, and Stephanie Su of South Barrington, placed fourth in the 12-13 age group scoring a total of 19 points.

View the full leaderboard here.