11-Year-Old Boise Golfer Earns Spot at Augusta National

Owen Zaragoza qualifies for Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:18am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overlapping motions and perspectives of a young golfer's swing and putting stroke, rendered in vibrant shades of green, blue, and brown to evoke the golf course setting.An 11-year-old's exceptional talent and drive propel him to the national stage of junior golf.Boise Today

Owen Zaragoza, an 11-year-old golfer from Boise, Idaho, has qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. Zaragoza was one of 80 juniors selected to compete in the event, which tests the accuracy and precision of young golfers.

Why it matters

Qualifying for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National is a remarkable achievement for an 11-year-old golfer. It showcases Zaragoza's exceptional technical skills and mental resilience at a young age, and could open doors to further opportunities in the sport.

The details

Zaragoza's coach, Katie Somers, has identified his ability to see shots and solve problems as a primary differentiator from other junior golfers. Somers noted that Zaragoza often identifies multiple ways to play a hole before other children realize such options exist, and possesses an innate ability to execute complex golf shots without formal instruction.

  • Owen Zaragoza qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on April 14, 2026.
  • The Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals will be held on April 12, 2026.

The players

Owen Zaragoza

An 11-year-old golfer from Boise, Idaho, who has qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club.

Katie Somers

Zaragoza's coach, who has identified his exceptional technical skills and problem-solving abilities as key factors in his success.

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What they’re saying

“He's hitting certain types of golf shots that you're like, 'How are you doing that?' We haven't even talked about that or whatever, but it's just embedded in him.”

— Katie Somers, Coach

What’s next

Zaragoza will compete in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Zaragoza's qualification for the prestigious Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at such a young age is a testament to his exceptional golfing abilities and dedication to the sport. His success could inspire other young golfers to pursue their dreams and showcase the remarkable talent that can emerge at the junior level.