Bernhard Langer’s Masters whip, the kids who won at Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Hello, friends, and happy Monday from Augusta National! I write to you all from the press building, which is open for press conferences and work even though the course is closed due to rain. I’m on day eight of my 14-day stay in Augusta, and I’m feeling ready to take on Masters week! A handful of my coworkers have joined me here for the next week, and we are all feeling great energy-wise.

I attended the Drive, Chip and Putt finals for the first time on Sunday and it was the perfect way to kick off Masters week. There can be a lot of stress heading into a week of covering a major championship, but watching a group of incredibly talented (and equally adorable) kids having the day of their lives at Augusta National alleviated any anticipatory anxiety I was having about the next seven days.

The Drive, Chip & Putt winners

The Sunday before the Masters at Augusta National has to be one of the most wholesome days in golf. Not only do we have past champions teeing it up with their loved ones, we’ve got little kids cheering each other on, hugging their parents after big putts and giving iconic interviews.

Let’s get to know the winners of each age division a little bit, shall we?

 Ellie Kim

Ellie Kim won the girls 7-9 division in her debut Drive, Chip and Putt appearance. Her dad introduced her to golf during Covid and it’s safe to say the rest is history.

“I’ve worked so hard for this. My dad has sacrificed so much for me, and I really thank him for this moment … We practiced every day and I feel like hard work pays off … Just being here at Augusta means so much to me because not many people actually get to be here. It’s so special. It’s an honor to be here.”

And now for my favorite piece of content from Augusta so far this week. Kim’s competitors rushed over to embrace her the second she found out she won her age division, and the video is so, so wholesome. Such a great display of sportsmanship from these little ones!

Kim’s role models are her dad and Taylor Swift, and learning that made me a bigger fan of hers. Kim, if you’re reading this: What’s your favorite Taylor Swift song?

Bella Simoes

Next up we have Bella Simoes, who won the girls 10-11 division in dramatic fashion.

All of the competitors were asked a series of questions when they qualified for the finals at Augusta National, and Simoes gave the most thoughtful and detailed answers. Let’s take a look.

What’s the most difficult thing about golf?

“To accept that you can’t control everything.”

Who is your favorite male golfer and why?

“My favorite male golfer is Tiger Woods because he has revolutionized the game of golf with his unmatched skill, determination and charisma. His achievements, including 15 major championship wins, have inspired countless fans and players worldwide. Beyond his success on the course, Tiger’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges make him a true legend in the sport.”

Who is your favorite female golfer and why?

“My favorite female golfer is Nelly Korda because she has consistently showcased remarkable talent, composure and athleticism on the golf course. Her powerful swing, precision and ability to perform under pressure make her one of the top players in the world. Additionally, her sportsmanship and dedication to the game are truly inspiring.”

Who is the coolest player in golf and why?

“The coolest player in golf is Nelly Korda because she is elegant and confident , and she dominates the game. Her fluid swing, calm demeanor under pressure, and ability to deliver clutch performances make her stand out. Beyond her game, Nelly’s style and professionalism have made her a role model, inspiring young golfers around the world.”

What food would you serve at your Masters Champions dinner and why?

“Shrimp Alfredo pasta.”

Simoes definitely has a future career in golf and inspirational speaking.

Alexandra Phung 

Alexandra Phung won her second Drive, Chip and Putt on Sunday after draining a difficult putt on the 18th green.

Phung won the girls 10-11 division in 2023, which is awesome because she can say she’s won twice at Augusta National before her 14th birthday.

Phung might be as familiar with Augusta as any Drive, Chip and Putt competitor has ever been: She competed here in 2019, 2021 and 2023. When asked who her favorite male golfer is, she gave a really sweet answer.

“Leo Phung, my brother, because he’s a great sibling and awesome person. He sacrificed a lot of time to help me by caddying and traveling for golf.”

Here’s to hoping my siblings speak about me this day.

Abigail Henriksen

Abigail Henriksen won the 14-15 year-olds division in her championship debut after sinking a 15-footer.

I hope that Henriksen’s classmates give her a proper celebration when she returns home.

And now for the boys division.

Joshua Hooper 

Joshua Hooper won the 7-9 year-old division, and he may have his golf superstition to thank. The Drive, Chip and Putt champion says he has to listen to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC on his way to the course before he competes, which is incredible considering that song came out at least 25 years before he was born.

Hooper was a man of few words in his winning interview. Straight to the point! I respect it.

I really hope Hooper wins the Masters in about 20 years, because his theoretical Masters Champions dinner menu is perfect.

“Fried calamari for apps, veal saltinboca for dinner, Oreo blizzard from Dairy Queen for dessert.”

Dawson Dial

Dawson Dial won the 10-11 year-olds division and said he wanted to celebrate by staying up all night (only if his dad let him, of course).

I remember planning to stay up all night as a kid and then falling asleep by midnight, so I’m very curious to know if Dial made it all night. I have to imagine he was pretty tired after his victory at Augusta National! I hope he wins there as an adult because the Champions Dinner menu he thought up is nothing short of incredible.

What food would you serve at your Masters Champions dinner and why?

“Cheese breadsticks, pasta bar with lasagna, cheese ravioli, and various noodles w/ meat, alfredo and marinara sauces, and salad bar. For dessert, I would have ice cream cookies (chocolate or vanilla) with M&M’s on the cookies.”

Hudson Justus

Hudson Justus made Drive Chip and Putt Finals history en route to his victory in the 12-13 division, but it was his embrace with his dad that I’ll remember most.

Justus was already in his dad’s arms when they announced his win, and his tears show just how much this championship means to the kids competing.

Anthony Wu

Anthony Wu was inspired to qualify for the Drive, Chip and Putt finals after watching his younger sister Kaylee compete in 2022. He won the 14-15 year-old division on Sunday, and all I can think about now is how talented he and his sister are.

Bernhard Langer’s new whip

My coworkers Emma Devine, Zephyr Melton and I headed to West Lake Country Club in Augusta to chat with Bernhard Langer ahead of his final Masters start.

Melton asked Langer a handful of Masters-related questions, but I couldn’t stop starting at the new Mercedez-Benz he was gifted in honor of his 41st and final start at Augusta.

Some details on the whip: It’s a one-off personalized MANUFAKTUR S-Class, with embroidered Masters logos, which were crafted with over 2,800 stitches. It also features Langer’s signature in the center console.

Let’s take a look at the ride.

The car’s interior is so, so cool. The removable Masters headrests (although if I were Langer, I’d never remove them) don’t just include the Masters logo, they include the years Langer won.

The center console might be my favorite part. Every time Langer looks down to plug in his phone, put a water bottle down or adjust the temperature, he’ll be reminded of his two Masters victories.

I’d love to get a similar gift when I cover my final Masters many years from now.

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