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St. Louis, MO - Another successful year for Metropolitan representation at the Drive, Chip, & Putt National Final at Augusta National this year. Joshua Hooper of Wildwood, MO made his way to Augusta, Georgia this past weekend after qualifying to be a finalist in the Boys 7-9 division last fall. 

 

Joshua practices and plays out of Whitmoor Country Club. He is a young rising talent in this area and has a passion for the game. His journey to get to the final was a hard fought fight. Joshua began this adventure at Oak Brook Golf Club in the Local Qualifier where he scored 102 points to finish in the top spot and move on. Then, he competed in the Sub-Regional Qualifier at Sunset Hills Country Club, earning 135 points to once again finish in the top spot to move on. At the Regional and Final Qualifying, Joshua travelled to TPC Deere Run where he scored 109 points to be tied for 1st. This led to a playoff. Joshua dug deep to send his putt within 1 foot of the hole and clinch the ticket to Augusta. 

 

Joshua and his family travelled down to Augusta in an exciting time, and he was ready. Joshua has spent the months leading up to this diligently practicing and it showed. Starting with the Drive portion of the competition, Joshua sailed his ball to 186.2 yards in the first attempt and then 197.7 yards in the second. The second attempt would count as his longest and place him in third place with 8 points. Then it was time for the Chip portion of the competition. Joshua’s first attempt stopped 8 feet 9 inches away from the hole and his second would stop 3 feet 8 inches from the hole. These combined to total 12 feet 5 inches, placing him fourth in the chip segment to earn 7 more points. The 8 points from the Drive and 7 points from the Chip totalled 15 points, and put Joshua in a tie for second going into the final leg. The race was tight as the division worked its way through the Putt portion of the competition. Joshua was second to last to putt. The first putt was a 30 footer, slightly uphill and Joshua rolled his ball within 6 feet 5 inches. Then the only thing left to face was a 15 foot, slightly downhill putt. Joshua went through his pre-shot routine, took a breath, stepped up, and sent his putt 6 inches away from the hole. His total for both putts was 6 feet 11 inches. He then had to wait for the final competitor and leader to putt. It came down to the final putt of the day for the group and by the smallest of margins, Joshua’s putts total was shorter. He finished second in the Putt portion and added another 9 points to his total. 

 

With a total of 24 points, Joshua Hooper became the 2025 Boys 7-9 Drive, Chip, & Putt Champion. For the second year in a row, a Metropolitan junior golfer is bringing home the hardware. Following his win at the Regional Qualifier, Joshua was able to get a dog that he had wagered with his parents beforehand. In his final post-win interview, they asked him what he had asked for should he win at Augusta. His response: for tickets to see the St. Louis Blues. He has definitely earned those tickets! Joshua was presented his trophy by 2013 Masters Champion Adam Scott. 

Following the completion of the Sunday competition, the Drive, Chip, & Putt competitors and their families were able to attend the Monday and Tuesday practice rounds of the Masters. This gave the kids the opportunity to take in the scenes and see some of their favorite players, while getting to envision themselves back to play the course one day. This was a fun and successful trip for the Hoopers. Joshua’s talent was undeniable, and he will always be able to say he won at Augusta. Congratulations to Joshua Hooper and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this young golfer.

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