Brady Barnum says Drive, Chip and Putt 'best experience' ever

After earning an invitation to Augusta National Golf Club, 9-year-old Brady Barnum set clear goals moving forward.

“I just need to keep focusing and keep getting better,” the fourth-grader from Dublin, Ohio said.

On Sunday at the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals, Barnum did just that.

Barnum, who competed in the 7-9 boys division, placed second in the drive competition, while finishing sixth out of 10 competitors in both chipping and putting. This marked his first trip to the Masters and Augusta National Golf Club.

“It was the best experience ever,” said Barnum, who finished fifth overall. “I can’t tell you how much fun I had.”

Also taking in the festivities was Brady’s dad, Craig, who toted his son’s golf bag.

“My whole life I’ve dreamed of coming to Augusta National,” Craig said. “And it took my 9-year-old to get me here.”

Being from Ohio, Brady says his favorite “and coolest golfer” is six-time Masters champion — and fellow Ohio native — Jack Nicklaus.

In qualifying for the national finals, Brady won his regional at Muirfield Village Golf Club by 17 points and was medalist in driving.

His favorite club is his 5-hybrid, which Brady describes as “my money club.”

“This was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life,” Brady said. “My favorite part was the driving contest because that’s where I did my best.”

When asked about his thoughts on playing at Augusta National, Brady said he was most surprised by a visitor that came to watch him putt on No. 18 green, “I look up and there’s Bubba Watson. I mean, that was amazing.”

Smiles aplenty at Drive, Chip and Putt finals

2018 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals Results

Salley boy takes third place in Drive, Chip and Putt

Miles Russell places second in Drive, Chip and Putt finals

Photos: 2018 Drive