Even just walking on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club is on many golfer’s bucket list, but Victoria’s Anna Wu can already tick off swinging a club at golf’s holy grail.
“It was quite fun, I really liked it,” said the nine-year-old. “It was pretty beautiful there.”
Joined by her grandpa and coach Frank Zhang, Anna flew out to Georgia earlier this month to compete against some of the world’s top young talent in the drive, chip and putt national finals.
“That’s my dream,” said Zhang, who’s always admired The Masters tournament and Augusta National course.
That “dream” was well over a year in the making.
CHEK News first caught up with Wu in 2019 after she had qualified for the competition through a regional event in Washington state. She was supposed to attend the 2020 nationals, however, the competition was postponed a full year due to the pandemic.
For Wu and Zhang, the wait was well worth it as the two had the time of their lives.
Not only did they get to play on one of golf’s most storied courses, but they were also able to meet some of the sport’s biggest names including former Master’s champion Bubba Watson.
But the highlight of the trip, came when Wu sunk a lengthy chip which garnered quite the reaction.
“I was pretty excited when I chipped it in,” said the nine-year-old.
“That’s one of the best times in my life,” added Zhang, who could be seen cheering loudly on national television. “It was amazing.”
The chip-in was replayed several times on the Golf Channel, even catching the attention of short game specialist Phil Mickelson.
Watched Anna Wu hole a chip in the DCP contest. Look how her hands are way ahead which keeps the leading edge down. Brilliant!
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) April 4, 2021
“When my grandpa told me about it, was like ‘oh my God, wow,'” said Wu, upon hearing of Mickelson’s comment via Twitter.
Overall, Wu finished second in her division and took top honors in the chipping category.
“I’m so proud of my granddaughter,” said a smiling Zhang.
It was a week to remember with almost no regrets.
“One thing that I really wanted to do was hide and seek,” said Wu, a member of Royal Colwood Golf Club. “Because I like it and it’s fun and I also want to hang out with grandpa a little.”
She’ll get plenty more time to hang out with grandpa as the two are in mandatory quarantine together for another week.
Asked whether Wu plans to head back to Georgia? Zhang seems pretty confident in his answer.
“We are looking for first place next year,” he exclaimed.
So good! @RoyalColwoodGC pic.twitter.com/TbtSyoZ1XL
— Chris Currie (@CurriePEI) April 4, 2021
Anna Wu’s chipping technique is Lefty approved ??#DriveChipandPutt pic.twitter.com/GRc2PSjMut
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) April 4, 2021
I’m like a little kid this morning watching BC’s Anna Wu compete this morning at the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta National…I’m sure TVs are on at ?@RoyalColwoodGC? thanks for picture ?@CurriePEI? pic.twitter.com/QaXVussCRt
— JAY JANOWER (@JayJanower) April 4, 2021
Victoria’s Anna Wu, 9, sank a lengthy chip at Augusta National Golf Club during a Master’s event that captured the attention of pros and fans.
Kevin Charach
