Rennell Fourth Grader Shines on National Stage at Augusta’s Drive, Chip and Putt Finals
At just 10 years old, Rennell Elementary School fourth grader Blake Ayuso made his mark on one of golf’s most revered stages—Augusta National Golf Course—by placing fifth in the Boys 7–9 age division of the 11th Annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.
The prestigious event, held in partnership with the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association (USGA), and the PGA of America, offers young golfers from across the country a chance to showcase their skills. For Ayuso, the journey to Georgia began nearly a year ago with a local qualifier in Dallas, followed by victories in both sub-regional and regional competitions, ultimately securing his spot as one of only 40 boys nationwide to compete at the finals.
"It makes you feel special"
“It was a great feeling just to be at the national finals,” Blake said. “I felt like a Masters player since we were at Augusta. As you walk a lot of people applaud and it makes you feel special. I won the drive contest in my age division, and I’m still working on putting and chipping.”
Blake’s standout performance in the drive competition was a highlight of his finals experience, reinforcing the hard work and dedication he puts into the sport year-round. During the school year, Blake practices three times a week, increasing to five times weekly in the summer to prepare for an active tournament schedule.
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A Family of Golfers
Blake’s love for the game is rooted deeply in his family. His mother, Nakia Davis Ayuso, made history in the mid-1990s as the first African American woman to play collegiate golf in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for Vanderbilt University. His father, Julio Ayuso, a teacher at the Brautigam Center, took up golf after the couple married.
“Blake and his brothers all gravitated towards golf since both me and my husband play,” Davis Ayuso shared. “Blake started playing in the house with plastic clubs and it’s grown from there.”
The Ayuso family, including brothers Andrew and Carson, regularly competes in a Sunday “Family Scramble” at BlackHorse Golf Club, strengthening both their skills and their bond through the sport.
A Dream in the Making
“It was amazing to be at Augusta,” said Julio Ayuso. “It was very humbling to have a little taste of success. All this time we’re spending is worth it. Being at the national finals was a reminder that we’re on the right track.”
In addition to the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, Blake has competed on both the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour and the U.S. Kids Golf Tour, including appearances at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship.
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“I like golf because it’s an individual sport and you have to rely on yourself,” Blake said. “I like relying on myself and I love the competition. I want to play on the PGA Tour someday.”
As Blake continues to build his resume on junior golf’s biggest stages, Cypress-area residents and the greater CFISD community will be watching his journey unfold—with pride and excitement for what lies ahead.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
