AROUND THE CDGA Delayed but Not Denied A year after the pandemic scuttled pre-Masters competitions, amateurs’ dreams come alive again A t this time last year, Augusta for spring sports athletes to return for a National had canceled the Drive, fifth year of eligibility. “They told us last Chip and Putt National Finals year that whoever was in the field would as well as the second annual Augusta have a spot this year, but when they sent National Women’s Amateur Champi-the whole invitation package again, it was onship because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. The competi-tions also did not happen last Novem-ber prior to the rescheduled Masters. “It was definitely a disappoint-ment, but I realized it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me a chance to improve,” said Logan Keeter , now 12, of Northbrook. Keeter and fellow 12-year-old Reese Wallace of South Barrington were the two DCP finalists from the Chicago District who missed last year’s event, but, at press time, both were slated to compete at Augusta on Easter Sunday morning, April 4. “I’m more excited than words can describe,” Keeter said. “Every junior golfer has probably dreamed of going to Augusta and it’s great that it’s become a reality.” Wallace agreed. “I was sad when it was canceled last year, but it’s excit-ing to go this year because I’ve actu-ally had more time to practice,” she said. “Last year, I injured my back playing basketball, and I couldn’t Reese Wallace (left) and Logan Keeter advanced to the 2021 practice, so I’ve had time to heal up.” Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. Both players say they have gained significant distance off the tee over the last the same amount of excitement.” 12 months. Wallace said she grew five Riley said three former teammates will inches and lost her baby teeth. “My swing join her in Augusta for the event and will take speed and ball speed have gone up on caddie duties. “The ones who aren’t cad-because I’ve gotten taller,” she said. dying will be cheering me on!” Riley said. Both junior players and select family The Big Ten’s golf season resumed in members received tickets to the Masters the spring semester after being canceled practice round on Monday. in the fall. Meanwhile, the return of the 54-hole At press time, the first two rounds of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur is ANWA were slated for March 31 and April good news for Northwestern’s Brooke 1 at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, Riley and Illinois’ Tristyn Nowlin . They Georgia near Augusta. All players were missed out last year, but are back in an then scheduled to play a practice round at impressive international field in 2021. Augusta National on April 2, with the top 30 “It was a bummer,” said Riley, 23, who contestants after the cut advancing to the is getting her master’s in sports adminis-final round on Sunday, April 3 at Augusta tration after utilizing the NCAA’s option National. ● —Barry Cronin 14 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | APRIL 2021 NICK NOVELLI/ILLINOIS PGA
Chicago District Golfer April 2021: Page 16
