Two local junior golfers will represent Wisconsin at the annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals hosted by the PGA of America after earning first place finishes in their age groups during the National Finals Qualifier at TPC Deere Run. Today, meet 15-year-old McKenna Nelson of Beaver Dam, coached by Don DuChateau, PGA, of Donny Du’s Indoor Golf, who will compete with 80 junior golfers during the finals April 7.
Hometown: Beaver Dam
How did you get your start in golf: My parents loved to play and instead of getting a babysitter for me, they ended up bringing me out and I started putting and fell in love with the game. I probably tried every other sport but they always made me nervous but golf never did. I always wanted to be out there.
What are you most looking forward to during the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals: Previously, I went to Augusta during COVID in 2021, and I am most excited to get the full experience. Augusta National is such a special place and just having the opportunity to hit shots on that course is truly so cool which I am also most excited for.
How does it feel to be representing WI: It feels great. I am just looking to do better than last time.
Favorite local golf courses: Mammoth Dunes (Nekoosa), Old Hickory (Beaver Dam), Washington County (Hartford) and Fox Lake Golf Club (Fox Lake).
Someone who inspires you and why: My dad inspires me the most because of how committed he is with my golf game. He does so much for me and pushes me to limits I could never reach on my own, even though sometimes I don’t like it. He always wants the best for me and helps me achieve all my goals.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I went through a heart condition last August until late January. I stopped a lot of things in my life and really lost my love for practicing and being out on a golf course. I got a procedure done on it in late January and have been getting back to my old self each and every day. Another one would be that last time I went to Augusta, I was in one of the worst tornadoes that Georgia had seen. I already had a big fear of storms but that was easily the scariest moment of my life. My house was luckily the house on the block with the least amount of damage.
What makes someone fabulous: Someone that works hard and respects everyone around them. Someone who cares about everyone around them, not just themselves. When someone says “I want to be like that person,” that is also what makes someone fabulous.