ON TO AUGUSTA
What were some of your memorable moments from qualifying ? I chipped my first chip in at sub regionals . This was my 3rd time qualifying for regionals , and the past two times I finished 2nd , so walking off the green after finishing putting knowing that I was going to Augusta National was the best !
Favorite golfers ? MALE : Bobby Jones , because he was the first and only golfer to win the Grand Slam . He played as an amateur even though he could ’ ve made tons of money playing as a pro . He knew once he turned pro his love for the game would not be the same . FEMALE : Brooke Henderson ,
ADA INDERLIED ›
Age division : Girls 10-11 Residence / club : Virginia Beach / Virginia Beach National GC Grade / school : 5th , Linkhorn Park Elementary Lowest score ( 9 / 18 holes ): 32 / 72 Handicap Index™ : 8.3
FIVE QUESTIONS What do you like most about playing golf ? I love the feeling of making good contact with the ball . I like how each golf course is different and enjoy being out in nature .
because she is always smiling and keeping a good attitude .
Describe any obstacles you ’ ve overcome in your life . Last February , my dad was diagnosed with stage 4b oral cancer . He went through 7 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation and a 10-hour surgery to remove half of his tongue and lymph nodes in his neck .
Have you ever played with someone famous ? I didn ’ t play with him , but Marc Leishman played in a parent / child tournament that I played in with my mom , so I got to watch him tee off on the first hole .
What were some of your memorable moments from qualifying ? Each event was awesome . Quail Hollow ( regional qualifying ) was extra special because the course was getting prepared for the Presidents Cup and was in great shape . The weather the day of the competition was a challenge for everyone .
Favorite golfers ? MALE : Jordan Spieth . He does not get too flustered , he ’ s well-liked by the other golfers and he pulls off some amazing shots under pressure . FEMALE : Lydia Ko . She is always so calm .
Did you watch last year ’ s DCP finals , and if so , what impact did that have on your participation ? Yes . I got to watch some of my friends compete and it inspired me to want to go for it .
Who is your hero / role model ? My dad . He is a Spanish teacher in an inner-city school and he loves working with the kids who have lots of challenges .
JOE MORINELLI
Age division : Boys 14-15 Residence / club : Crozet / Birdwood Golf at Boar ’ s Head Resort Grade / school : 9th , Western Albemarle HS Lowest score ( 9 / 18 holes ): 5-under / 5-under Handicap Index™ : 1.5
FIVE QUESTIONS How did you become interested in playing golf ? I was born in Augusta , Ga ., and my family was very active in the local golf community . I always wanted to be with my brothers and dad when they were playing golf . I was only allowed to go with them to the course when I was able keep up with them , so I learned golf really quick !
What were some of your memorable moments from qualifying ? Making the 30-foot putt to advance to the national finals . ( Aside : This was Morinelli ’ s sixth and final attempt at qualifying . Persistence pays off .)
Favorite golfers ? MALE : Justin Thomas is my favorite golfer because he has an enthusiastic personality and is fun to watch . FEMALE : My favorite female golfer is Lexi Thompson because she is fun to watch .
What food would you serve at your champions dinner at Augusta National ? I would serve Wagyu filet , my mom ’ s pesto gnocchi , green beans , Tiramisu and Sprite .
What is your favorite memory of watching golf on TV ? My favorite memory is watching my coach Bill Fedder hit a hole in one to win a Cadillac sedan at the PPC tournament in 2022 .
DRIVE , CHIP AND PUTT ( 2 ); BEN WALLS ( RASMUSSEN )
28 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M ARCH / A PRIL 2023
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