The annual event returned to Augusta National Golf Club for the 12th time on Sunday, April 5. Eighty of the nation’s top junior golfers, ages 7–15, earned their spots through local, sub-regional, and regional qualifying.
Washington was well represented, with two juniors showcasing their skills on one of golf’s biggest stages.
2020 Masters Champion Dustin Johnson presents Roy Moon of the Boys 7-9 age group with the first-place overall trophy at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on April 5, 2026. (David Paul Morris/Augusta National)
Roy Moon of Bellevue, Washington, captured the Boys 7–9 division title and quickly went viral following his victory. When asked during a television interview how he planned to celebrate, Roy delivered a now-famous line: “We’re gonna probably party all night.”
Behind the scenes, Roy’s performance was the result of dedicated preparation. According to his father, Kevin Moon, Roy practiced every day leading up to the finals, simulating the full Drive, Chip & Putt format multiple times to build comfort and confidence for the big stage.
The experience at Augusta National left a lasting impression on the family. Driving down Magnolia Lane gave them chills. “It felt surreal,” Kevin shared, especially after years of watching the event on television.
Like many competitors, Roy felt the pressure of the moment. Kevin noted that the nerves began to surface during the driving portion, particularly as the wind picked up. After a miss on his first attempt, Roy had to quickly reset, knowing the importance of his second shot. It became a valuable learning moment, but one he handled with remarkable composure.
When it all came together, the result was unforgettable.
“Seeing him win at Augusta is honestly indescribable,” Kevin said. “Ever since he qualified at Pebble Beach, this was something we looked forward to every single day. To see it happen on that stage was incredibly emotional for our entire family.”
And yes, the celebration lived up to the hype, although not in the traditional “all night party” sense. The family celebrated with a Korean BBQ dinner—something Roy always loves. They also made sure to catch the full Golf Channel replay of the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at 10 PM, watching the entire broadcast together.
Roy embraced his viral moment, and the next day during the Monday practice round, patrons were already recognizing him as the “party all night” kid, adding another layer of fun to an already unforgettable experience.
For the Moon family, the journey means far more than the trophy.
“This is something we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives,” Kevin said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for everyone who supported Roy along the way.”
Ava Lee from University Place, Washington, also represented the Pacific Northwest in the Girls 10–11 division, earning her place among the nation’s best.
Ava Lee had her dedicated coach, Ryan Young of Chambers Bay, in the gallery to root for her.
Leading up to the competition, Ava practiced nearly every day with her father, David, working alongside her coach, Ryan Young of Chambers Bay. Her preparation focused on dialing in all three skills—drive, chip, and putt—with special attention to downhill putts from 15 and 30 feet on fast greens. She also prepared for the spotlight by reviewing interview questions from the previous year and working on staying calm under pressure.
Reflecting on her experience, Ava shared:
“There were butterflies in my stomach and my legs were shaking. I took deep breaths and told myself, ‘I got this.’ I was definitely nervous, but I felt grateful and honored to say I competed at Augusta National with all these amazing girls. It was fun making new friends in my age group.” She was excited to meet hero Bryson DeChambeau, and see Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler on the green. “They inspire me to work harder.”
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The journey to Augusta starts now. Registration for the 2026–2027 Drive, Chip & Putt season is already open, with hundreds of local qualifiers taking place across all 50 states beginning in May. To find a local qualifier and take the first step on the road to Augusta, visit DriveChipandPutt.com.
