Golf Channel announced its production plans for exclusive, live coverage of the 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, airing on Sunday, April 3, beginning at 8 a.m. ET, when 80 junior golfers from across the U.S. and Canada will gather at Augusta National Golf Club to officially kick off Masters week. The 40 boys and 40 girls set to compete emerged from more than 250 local qualifying events, followed by 50 subregional and 10 regional qualifiers.
"One of the proudest moments all year for us as a network occurs each April when we have the privilege of showcasing these talented and charismatic competitors fulfilling their dreams in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on the grounds of Augusta National," said Molly Solomon, executive producer, Golf Channel. "In partnership with the Masters Tournament, the USGA and the PGA of America, the event serves as a wonderful platform to promote the game in a fun and compelling way to young golfers on golf's most storied stage." Live From the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals Pre-Game at 8 a.m. ET Golf Channel - in its third year of televising live coverage of the National Finals - will highlight the skills and personalities of the competitors in the field, beginning with a special Live From the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals pre-game show from 8-9 a.m. ET, originating from the network's GOLF CENTRAL LIVE FROM THE MASTERS set on the grounds of Augusta National. The pre-game show will introduce viewers to the stories behind each of the 80 national finalists, which will be supplemented with a series of dedicated features offering a closer look at several competitors across the eight respective age groups (Boys/Girls 7-9; 10-11; 12-13 and 14-15). Guests scheduled to join the pre-game telecast include industry leaders Billy Payne (chairman of Augusta National and the Masters Tournament); Diana Murphy (president, United States Golf Association); and Derek Sprague (president, PGA of America). Steve Sands will host, while Charlie Rymer and Kay Cockerill will help set the stage for the premier youth golf event.Videos