Golfers of all ages dream of walking the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club during Masters week. Next April, Thomas Goodelle will do just that.
The 15-year-old earned a trip to Augusta when he has qualified for the national finals of the Drive, Chip and Putt event last September. The Masters is scheduled to begin April 7, 2025, with the Drive, Chip and Putt national finals the day before.
Needless to say, Goodelle is excited about traveling to Georgia next spring.
“Getting the chance to go to Augusta, it’s an awesome opportunity!” he said.
Goodelle punched his ticket to the national finals of the Drive, Chip and Putt by winning the 14-15 age group during the Regional Qualifiers at the Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey on Sept. 21.
Goodelle placed first after recording a score of 147 at the Regional Qualifier which involves the accuracy in driving, chipping and putting. Goodelle (Skenandoa Club) was among the 96 golfers who participated in the Regional Qualifier, which had four age categories for boys and girls divisions.
Goodelle made it to the NJ Regional Qualifier after advancing from a sub-regional qualifier in August at Town of Colonie Golf Course in Schenectady and a local qualifier in July at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona. It was the fifth time Goodelle has participated in DCP qualifying.
He offered this advice to other junior players about participating in the DCP.
“If you don’t make it to Augusta one year, work really hard for the next year,” he said. “Trust the process.”
Goodelle’s DCP journey was just one aspect of what was a busy golf summer for the New Hartford High School ninth grader.
Goodelle played on the Central New York PGA Junior Tour and won his age group at the CNY PGA Junior Open. He placed second overall. At the Junior PGA Championship qualifier at Timber Banks, he earned medalist honors for his age group.
Goodelle said playing on the Junior Tour was a positive experience for his game.
“Getting the opportunity to play some great courses in our area and playing against some great guys,” he said.
Goodelle, who started playing golf at the age of 6, admits the mental aspect of golf can be difficult. But he won’t be deterred from improving.
“I like the challenge of it,” he said. “There’s always room to get better.”
(Thomas Goodelle photos courtsey of Nicole Goodelle and Sarah Stier.)
