Desirae Larson, a 12-year-old from Kearney, recently showcased her exceptional golfing skills at the renowned Augusta National Golf Club, securing a tie for third place in the esteemed Drive, Chip and Putt finals.

Reflecting on her achievement, Desirae expressed immense pride in reaching this milestone, stating, "It is so awesome for me, because I tried so hard to get here."

The Drive, Chip and Putt competition, a collaborative effort by the USGA, the PGA of America, and Augusta National, is designed to inspire young golfers by providing them with a platform to demonstrate their talents on a national stage.

To earn her spot at Augusta, Desirae navigated through three rigorous qualifying stages, a testament to her dedication and skill.

In the finals, participants are evaluated based on their performance in driving, chipping, and putting, with each segment contributing to the overall score. Desirae's consistent performance across all categories culminated in her impressive third-place finish.

Emphasizing her commitment, Desirae remarked, "I was going to be proud of myself whether I walked out of there with first or last place, because I worked my butt off to get there."

Guiding her journey is her grandfather and coach, John Rowdon, who has been instrumental in honing her skills. Rowdon highlighted the importance of enjoying the game, stating, "It's fun because you get to learn stuff and get better at the game."

Desirae's passion for golf ignited at the tender age of five. Rowdon noted, "She's 12, but her golf maturation is way beyond 12 years old."

When asked about her approach to the sport, Desirae shared, "All you need to do is persevere."

Her ultimate aspiration is to maintain her love for the game, ensuring it remains a lifelong passion.

Competing at Augusta National was a memorable experience, made even more special by the presence of her family, including her mother, father, grandfather, and siblings. Desirae acknowledged their support, saying, "It makes a huge difference, because if you have support and your family's belief in you, you've already won."

Desirae's remarkable achievement not only highlights her individual talent but also underscores the vibrant youth sports culture in Kearney. The community continues to foster young athletes, as seen in recent developments such as the Kearney Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Soccer League, which offers children aged 4 to 14 opportunities to engage in soccer through fun activities and games. Additionally, the Kearney girls wrestling team has been making headlines, dominating District 4 and aiming for their fourth consecutive state championship.

Desirae's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes in Kearney and beyond, demonstrating that with dedication and support, remarkable achievements are within reach.