Fan notes: Event makes youngsters stars

Jamie Blakeney and his 10-year-old son, Shane, watched in amazement Sunday as Meghan Lane crouched over the 20-foot putt.

Her eyes determined and fixed on the hole in the middle of the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club, the 11-year girl drained the putt in the inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championship National Finals.

“How she handled the pressure was incredible,” said Jamie Blakeney, who was visiting Augus­ta National for the first time from his hometown of Monroe, N.C.

Even though several competitors had already tried and missed the putt, the Blakeneys were impressed how Meghan, of Wilton, Conn., executed the putt to perfection with Golf Channel cameras filming as a large crowd surrounded the hole.

Meghan became known among golfers old and young as the “putter with the pink ball.”

“That was pretty impressive,” said Michelle Carter, of Edgefield, S.C., who attended the championship with her daughters, Allison, 11, and Maegan, 15.

The family, which has visited Augusta National twice, said they followed the 10-11 age group through the morning and the 13-15 group in the afternoon.

Seeing Meghan sink the putt was the highlight of the day, they said. Another highlight was seeing Lucy Li, of Redwood, Calif., drive the ball more than 225 yards.

“She had a lot of power,” Allison said. “Maybe with some practice that could be me.”

“I don’t know,” said Michelle, who hopes to register her daughter for future events. “You might need to pick up the pace a little.”

WORTH THE TRIP: Kayley Gerber, 7, of Ros­well, Ga., tried out for the championship four months ago but did not advance past the first round.

She came to Augusta National with her father, Bret; mother, Alysia; and brother, Curran, 8, on the way to their spring-break vacation to Hilton Head Island, S.C.

“It’s pretty neat the children can come be themselves,” said Alysia, an Augusta native who worked at Augusta National during her high school years at Augusta Christian.

If invited to try out again next year, Kayley, who made her first visit to Augusta National, hopes to give it another shot.

That sentiment was shared among all junior golfers, both those who tried out and those just beginning the sport, including 11-year-old Josh Dudley, who visited the course for the first time with his grandfather Ed McDaniel.

Josh said the charm of Augusta Na­tional – its fresh-cut fairways, fast greens and lush grass – peaked his interest in golf.

“I need to practice more,” Josh said to his grandfather, eager for a return trip.

“It’s always nice to share a first with your grandson,” McDaniel said. “I don’t know if we’ll ever get another chance to experience this together again.”

PAR-TEE: The Par-Tee on the Green dance party will be held from 5-8 p.m. Monday at the Au­gus­ta Common. Along with music, it will feature performances by community dance groups, food trucks, golf demonstrations, a drum circle and activities for children. Admission is $1.