For Some of the best players in the world, making it to Augusta to compete for a Green Jacket is a dream come true.

Last weekend 12 year old Elyse Meerdink of Tampa created her own Augusta Memory when she won the National Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta National.

Elyse won her 10-11 year old age group.

"It was a really, really cool experience, now when I watch it on TV, I’ll be able to say, Ohhh I remember that hole, that holes a dogleg left".

The 6th grader from Carrollwood Day School was one of 80 boys and girls from across the country to qualify for the National Drive, Chip and putt competition.

"It’s a different experience then playing tournament golf, obviously it’s more of a skills challenge I’d say", Elyse told us when we caught up to her this week at her home course Avila Country Club in Tampa..

The Tournament was broken into four age groups, Elyse was one of 10 finalists in the girls 10 to-11 year old bracket representing the Southeast Region.

Elyse actually qualified for the tournament back in 2019, thanks to three big final drives from the treacherous 18th tee at TPC Sawgrass.

"I think the first drive I was more nervous, but then on the second two, you know this is fun I’m hitting three drives down the 18th hole at Sawgrass, so it was really cool to be able to do that".

Due to COVID the tournament in 2020 was canceled, It was rescheduled for this April, giving the then 11 year old almost a full year to prepare.

"It was a lot to think about for a long time but it also gave us extra time, or gave her time to practice and then mature a little bit more", her dad Trent told us.

Elyse: I had tournaments up until you know six weeks, seven weeks before drive, chip and putt and then I kind of went into what I called like drive, chip in putt mode.

Working with her dad and grandfather, a former pro himself, The extra time and work would pay off, when Elyse finally did get to Augusta, the now 12 year old, was tough to beat working her way to the top of the 

leader board.

The national championship for her division would all come down to one putt for her that she will never forget.

"I just stepped over it and I just told myself, you know I can do this and it went in the hole".

Elyse won the Championship on her fourth try, she told us her goal is to continue to try and get back to Augusta until she ages out of the tournament. 

Her ultimate goal would be to play in the Women's Amateur Championship that is also played at the famous club that hosts The masters

"I’ve just been the last few mornings waking up in the morning and I see my trophy and I’m like wow I’m the national champion for drive chip and putt".