WAXHAW, N.C. — Many spend their entire lives trying to master the game of golf, but Cindy Song, just 13 years old, is already headed to the Masters.
She’s not playing in golf’s major tournament, but she will be one of the young golfers competing in the drive, chip and putt finals at Augusta National.
Born in China, Song now lives in Waxhaw and has only been playing golf for three years.
"I first started when I was 10 when I first moved here from California," she said.
Song is one of 80 young golfers, between the ages of 7 and 15, who will compete in the drive, chip and putt finals at Augusta National Golf Club on April 1.
"At first I wasn't like really liking golf because beginners ... and bad shots and I can't hit the ball," Song said.
Song will challenge 79 of the nation's best in the drive, chip and putt competition that first debuted in 2013.
It’s a joint initiative founded by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and the PGA of America.
It’s a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the fundamental skills employed in golf.
But the national stage doesn’t scare Song.
"I’m just telling myself, 'It's just another tournament, it's just another shot, there's nothing to be nervous about,'" she said.
As a 12-year-old, Song won the U.S. Kids World Championship, achieving a No. 1 ranking and being named U.S. Kids National Player of the Year.
"It's not like pressure on me,” Song said. “I'm more like enjoying the game and having fun.”
Song is excited about the opportunity to play at the prestigious Augusta National.
“It’s a really big opportunity for me there," Song said.
The national finals of the drive, chip and putt competition will air April 1 on the Golf Channel.