RIVER FALLS – Two Greenwood Elementary students used their golf skills to compete in a Drive, Chip and Putt local qualifier Thursday, July 27.

Ava Varo, 8, and Grayson Varo, 7, took part in the contest at Emerald Greens Golf Course in Hastings, Minn. Ava placed third and will advance to the sub-regional level at Eagle Valley Golf Course in Woodbury, Minn. for the Girls 7-9 division.

“They started with three drives in a 40-yard-wide fairway,” Jennifer Varo said. “Drives must finish in the fairway to score and then there’s a staggered point system based on distance.

“They then moved to the chipping station where they attempted three 10-to-15 yard chips and were scored based on distance to the hole.”

They then had to complete three putts, at 6- 15- and 30-feet. All nine scores were added and the highest three from each age division moved on to the next round.

Jennifer Varo said Ava and Grayson started golfing when they were 4 or 5 and have been participating in opportunities through River Falls Park & Rec, thanks to coaches Kristi Wagner, Maddie Wagner and Tim LaVold.

“They have also done lessons and youth league through Western Wisconsin Golf,” Jennifer Varo said. “Coach Eric Holen runs a tremendous program for area youth. Coach Holen helped them prep for the event and recommended registering for the competition.”

According to driveputtandchip.com, Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. The initiative was founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America.

Kids ages 7-15 can play with their peers in qualifiers across the country. Participants who advance through local, sub-regional and regional qualifying rounds earn a place in the national finals, which takes place at the Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament.