9-Year-Old North Carolina Girl Travels To Augusta To Compete In The Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals

SHELBY, N.C. — For most golf fans, the chance to go to Augusta National and just watch the Masters would be a dream come true. For one local 9-year-old, playing there has become a reality. Minlin Ou has been working hard driving, chipping, and putting and her hard work has paid off.

The 3rd grader is one of 10 finalists in her age group that will compete in the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals at Augusta National. The Shelby phenom clinched her spot by winning the regional competition at Quail Hollow Club back in September and it wasn’t even close.

Phil Wallace says: “Rainy day, cold morning and all the kids did well, but Minlin just did better. And when the putting came around, she certainly excelled.” “Her closest competitor was 32 points behind.” Wallace has seen a lot of good players during his 50 years as a golf pro and golf coach and says Minlin’s talent is something special.

“To achieve this for Minlin and what she’s done, to actually compete and get to putt on the 18th green, it’s exciting, words can’t express it.” Minlin isn’t the only golfer in her family, her older sister Minyan is really good too.

Minlin says: “Yes. She also yells at me sometimes. (laughs) Yes you do!” Minyan Ou says: “I do give my sister some tips here and there sometimes, though, half of the time she may not listen, but I think it still gets to her.”

“I was impressed when she got to, she made it to Augusta, so I’m very excited!”

Wallace says: “She was prepared when she went to Quail Hollow. She was ready and she did the job when she got there. And that’s all we ask her to do when she goes to Augusta is do her best. Have a good time and enjoy the experience.”

An experience like no other.