Hudson Justus, a 7th-grade golfer at Lakeview Academy in Gainesville, discussed the hard work and time it took to win the 2025 Drive, Chip and Putt finals at Augusta National Golf Club.
“I think it just came with a lot of time and effort,” Hudson said. “I traveled a bit to try to make it through the local qualifying and everything, and then a lot of practice, just working on that putt, hitting the driver well, and hitting some good chips.”
Justus said the greens at Augusta National are fast, but that did not stop him from sinking both putts.
He had to play in several qualifiers to compete in the Drive, Chip and Putt championship.
“My first one was in Michigan, and then my second one was at Valhalla, where they had the PGA championship,” Justus said.
After being named the victor, Justus shared a special moment with his father, Scott Justus.
“I have never really cried after a tournament. I have never really done that. I think it was just so surreal, being at Augusta and winning, that's probably why,” Justus said.
Scott affirmed that Hudson does not cry after wins, but sinking two putts at Augusta National was unbelievable.
“Words seem very trivial when describing that moment," Scott said. "He is a grown man on the golf course. And being his dad is just so special. For all that is Hudson and his Mom, and I hope and pray he will become.”
Scott said Hudson does not let his nerves get to him on the golf course.
“That moment was him letting out all his emotions, he was calm on the outside, but inside he had all the nerves. His heart rate may have been very minimal, where mine was heart attack rate,” Scott said.
Scott said he will never forget the hug they shared. Hudson was introduced to golf through his dad, and he described Scott as his hero.
“I feel like he is someone I look up to, because I grew up like him,” Hudson said. “If it wasn't for him, I don't think I would be playing.”
Hudson said he beats his dad whenever they golf together, but Scott has learned to be fine with it.
“Yeah, I beat him all the time. He's learned to take it now, he doesn't really care,” Hudson said with a smile.
Hudson said Drive, Chip and Putt is a great way for young people to get into golf.
“Because you are kind of working on the skills that you need to play golf. Just have fun at the start, and if you don't like it, don't force yourself to play,” Hudson said.
Hudson said he hopes to play in the Masters and win it one day.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/4/1290877/hudson-justus-describes-drive-chip-and-putt-victory-at-augusta-national-golf-club