Hilo’s Leo Saito captured third place at the 8th annual Drive, Chip, Putt National Finals on Sunday in the boys 10-11 year-old division at the Augusta National Golf Club, where the Masters kicks off today.
The 11-year-old St. Joseph fifth grader was first in chipping, second in driving and putting as the first boy from Hawaii to qualify for the tournament.
“He did pretty good,” his dad, Dr. Syuck Ki Saito, said. “He met Collin Morikawa, Tiger Woods, and Fred Couples and last year’s Masters champion (Hideki Matsuyama). They were all there. It was a good experience.”
Saito had a strong year in 2021. He won the HSJGA Big Island Junior Classic at Hualalai, US Kids Golf Hawaii State Invitational on Oahu, and the HSJGA Kauai Junior Championship on Kauai, and the Michelle Wie Tournament of Champions on Maui.
He also placed fifth at the FCG International Championship and eighth at the IMG Academy Junior World Championship in San Diego.
This year’s Drive, Chip, Putt national finals had 30 states represented with 80 participants.
Saito, who wore his Tiger Woods cap, was able to follow Woods on nine holes of Monday’s Masters practice round.
“The best part was my chipping. I got first place on that,” Leo said. “I followed Tiger and Justin Thomas.”
Saito traveled with his dad and his mom, Misaki, but was unable to see his maternal grandparents, who live in Japan, because the country has COVID-19 restrictions.
“Fred Couples gave out the awards to all the kids. He was able to talk to him,” Dr. Saito said. “It was fun being with all the contestants from all over the country. It’s a rare thing to play at the Masters and set foot on the grass. He played on the 18th hole, the actual Masters course.
“It was very accommodating. All the meals are paid for. You’re treated like a pro. It was the first time Leo was on TV.”
It was a four-day trip that started with an early wakeup on Thursday. But mom, Misaki, pointed out that young Leo has a special talent to deal with the six-hour time difference in Georgia.
“He’s good at sleeping any time, anywhere. He slept 13 hours the first day,” she said.
The golf never stops for Leo, who has a Hawaii State Junior Golf Association tournament this weekend at Waikoloa.