The road from Arizona to Augusta doesn’t happen by accident, it’s earned. And for JGAA member Kimsey Terrell, that journey is now a reality.
Terrell has officially qualified for the 2026 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club, earning her place among the top junior golfers in the country. She will compete in the Girls 12–13 division on April 5, 2026, just days before the Masters Tournament.
Even more impressive? Terrell will be the only representative from Arizona on one of junior golf’s prestigious stages.
Her path to Augusta was anything but easy. After years of chasing the opportunity, Terrell broke through with a 1st place performance at the regional qualifier in Texas to punch her ticket to Augusta.
“I’m really excited, I really put my heart and soul into this. I gave it my all.”
That perseverance defines not only her journey, but the spirit of the JGAA community—where development, resilience, and competitive growth are at the core of every player’s path.
A National Stage Like No Other
The Drive, Chip & Putt Championship is one of the most illustrious events in junior golf, conducted in partnership with the Masters Tournament, the USGA, and the PGA of America.
The competition evaluates three fundamental skills (driving, chipping, and putting) through a multi-stage qualifying process that begins locally and culminates at Augusta National.
Representing Arizona on Golf’s Biggest Junior Stage
Competing at Augusta National is a dream for golfers of all ages. For junior players, it represents the pinnacle; a chance to walk the same grounds as the game’s legends and showcase their talent on a national stage.
For the JGAA, Terrell’s achievement is more than an individual milestone. It’s a reflection of the strength of junior golf in Arizona and the opportunities created through competitive play and player development.
The Journey Isn’t Over
While earning a spot at Augusta is already a victory, Terrell’s goals don’t stop there.
No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: Kimsey Terrell’s journey from Arizona fairways to Augusta National is a monumental moment worth celebrating and a glimpse of what’s ahead for one of the state’s rising stars.
