TEMPLE, Texas — A Central Texas boy has received a unique opportunity to play at Augusta National Golf Club in the National Drive, Chip and Putt contest in April 2024.
11-year-old Hayes Pethtel qualified for the event and will be competing in the televised competition. He is one of 80 who will be competing from the tee to the green and will get to stay for the practice round of The Masters Tournament and have a chance to meet pros. The three-pronged competition tests the skills essential to playing the game – accuracy in driving, chipping and putting.
"It means a lot because of how young I am and how many people want to do this thing," Pethtel said. "I get to go to it and I'm only 11-- it's quite amazing."
Pethtel credits his opportunity to the hard work he puts in at Sammons Golf Course in Temple. He said he practices as much as he can while balancing his education, community service and family. Pethtel puts in around 15 hours on his golf game per week.
"It's really about putting in the work," Pethtel added. "You can't just expect to be this good and then get that overnight. You have to put in the work. I'd say I'm at a really, really high level because I'm the only kid in Belton and Temple to ever get to the Augusta."
Pethtel has a goal to start varsity as a freshman for Lake Belton High School on their golf team after middle school. He told 6 News he wants to become a professional golfer, but if that doesn't work out -- he wants to be involved in the game somehow, whether it be as a caddie or a commentator.
Pethtel is a lefty golfer and said his favorite professional golfer is Phil Mickelson. He gives credit to Sammons Golf Course and most importantly his parents for his success.
"They are the best thing in the world," Pethtel added. "Going to Augusta is big, but they're even bigger. They're the best thing I have in this world."