Mattapoisett’s Willow Ruel Captures Chip Championship at Augusta

While all eyes were focused on Tiger Woods trying to make a comeback this past weekend at The Masters, there’s a new young phenom that recently tore it up at Augusta National.

Mattapoisett’s Willow Ruel recently took part in the 2022 Masters Drive, Chip and Putt tournament on the hallowed grass of Augusta, and the Old Hammondtown School fifth grader captured the Chip championship.

Willow won the Girls 10-11 Division in the Chip competition, and got to pose for a photo with Masters champion Mark O’Meara after her win.

“More importantly she made lifelong friendships and has inspired so many local kids to pick up a golf club and have fun on the golf course!” said her mom, Jennifer.

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Willow also was welcomed when she came off the course by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

In order to make it to the national competition, Willow won the local qualifier at her home course, Mattapoisett’s Bay Club, last July. She then went on to win the sub-regional qualifier at LeBaron Hills in Lakeville last August, and then the regional qualifier at TPC Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut last September.

Willow had previously made it to the sub-regional round in 2017 and 2018 and the regional qualifier in 2019.

After being honored on the fairways, Willow, who wants to be a professional hockey player when she grows up, is now being honored on the ice.

This Saturday, April 16, Willow has been chosen to be the kid captain for the Boston Bruins when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. She will get to warm up and skate on the ice with the Bruins before the game, and she gets to drop the first puck as well. In addition, the Bruins have also outfitted her with new equipment for her own upcoming hockey season.

“I don’t know if this girl is on fire or has a lucky shamrock stuck to her,” her mom said.