Inspiring effort by Ganne at Drive, Chip & Putt Finals

Photo: Former Masters champion Mike Weir presents a trophy to Megha Ganne for finishing second in the 2019 national finals of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club.

So close — yet so far.

Holmdel’s Megha Ganne looked to have her age division well in hand at Sunday’s national finals of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta (Ga.) National Golf Club.

Competing in the DCP at the home of the Masters for the fourth time, the 15-year-old finished second in the drive portion, then won the chipping competition. But with her two putts on the 18th green of the iconic course, one from approximately 15 feet and one from 30 feet, she left the first 8 feet, 1 inch short, which actually eliminated her from having a chance to win the overall title.

“I didn’t have a chance after that,” she explained afterward, “so I figured (with my second putt), ‘I might as well make it.’ "

She did, but her overall effort in putting was good enough for only eighth place among the 10 finalists.

When Nicole Gal of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, left her two putts 18 and 11 inches away, she was able to finish second in the putting competition, earn nine points and win the Girls 14-15 age division, one point ahead of Ganne, 23-22.

“I’m not disappointed at all,” Ganne said afterward. “I was super happy to be here. Through the years I think I’ve learned it’s all about inspiring others to take up the game."

- By Rich Skyzinski, New Jersey Golf Magazine