FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Michael Bruce is in for the experience of a lifetime.
The 9-year-old Fort Fairfield Elementary School student has parlayed his exceptional golf skills into an expenses-paid trip to Augusta, Ga. for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.
Bruce made it through three rounds of qualifiers in order to reach the championship, which is being held at Augusta National Sunday, April 2 on the eve of The Masters professional golf tournament.
His experience will include a “champions dinner” on Saturday, a party following the competition Sunday and the opportunity to watch a Masters practice round on Monday, where he will get a chance to see his golf idol, Dustin Johnson, and other PGA professionals.
“I can’t wait to see what a pro hits it like,” said Bruce.
Michael and his parents, James and Melissa, are making the trip and a few other family members will be there to root him on.
The younger Bruce placed first in his 7-9 year old age division at the local qualifier held at Val Halla Golf and Recreation Center in Cumberland May 30 and second in the subregional held July 31 at Rennaisance in Haverhill, Mass. Then came the regional at the Country Club in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Sept. 25, where Bruce finished first to clinch his trip to the Nationals.
In those last two contests, he needed to sink 30-foot putts in order to move on and he did just that.
“He’s determined and has good focus,” said his father, “and he doesn’t like to lose.”
Michael said he recalls beginning to play golf at the age of 3.
“I had these plastic clubs and just went out and hit all kinds of balls,” he said, “and then Dad started taking me out to the course.”
Three years ago, James said he was watching the Golf Channel and learned of the Drive, Chip and Putt contest, which is sponsored by the Professional Golfers Association. As an 8-year-old, Michael won the first two rounds before falling short in the regional by finishing fifth. The experience helped him last summer and fall as he took it a step farther.
The northern Maine weather prevents him from getting outside to practice, but a large basement allowed Michael to get lots of swings in to prepare for this weekend. He estimates practicing five times a week in January and February and increasing to every day this past month.
He plans on spending a lot of time at Aroostook Valley Country Club this summer and play in a few youth tournaments downstate. Michael says he has long-range aspirations as well.
“I want to play in college,” he said.
