Sportsman's to host qualifier for national championship

Junior golfers have a chance to make history in Northbrook this summer.

On June 28, Sportsman's Country Club will host a local qualifier for next year's Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, an event created by The Masters Tournament Foundation, the USGA and The PGA of America to attract more young people to the game of golf.

The winners in each age category will have a chance to advance to a regional event and the National Finals at the historic Augusta National Golf Club, the home of the Masters.

2014 was the first for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, held on April 6, and 88 junior golfers competed, after winning regional events throughout the country. Eight junior golfers were crowned champions in four age categories in boys' and girls' divisions.

Registration has begun for the 2015 event. The championship is open to boys and girls, ages 7-15. They will compete in separate divisions in four age categories: 7-9 years; 10-11 years; 12-13 years; and 14-15 years. The 2015 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals will be held on April 5, 2015, at Augusta National Golf Club.

The local qualifier at Sportsman's will showcase the skill and excitement of young golfers and choose winners to advance to a subregional event. The deadline to register is Monday, June 23, at 5 p.m. Registration and more information are available at www.drivechipandputt.com.