Chinese-American youngsters shine at Augusta National

Budding stars clinch four titles at inaugural championship

Chinese-American children won the first four titles in the inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championship on Sunday at Augusta National, one of them handed his trophy by reigning Masters champion Adam Scott.

Kelly Xu, a nine-year-old Californian, won the 7-9 girls crown to become the first female champion at the famed home of the Masters, an all-male club until 20 months ago.

"This is the best day of my life," Xu said.

Xu, a fourth-grader whose favorite things about school are lunch and spelling, said her historic triumph was special.

"Winning this and seeing the reward for all the hard work I put in is most of what I am feeling good about," Xu said, adding that being the first female winner "is just playing a part" in her excitement.

In all, four boys and four girls from 7-15 won age-group titles after scoring points in driving, chipping and putting contests.