Patrick Vilai to join elite company in Augusta

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Patrick Vilai is one of 10, 12- to 13-year-olds that qualified for the Drive, Chip, and Putt finals in Augusta, Georgia.

“I am very excited; it is a big accomplishment for me. It would also be very cool to step on the same golf course as many famous people would step on,” Patrick Vilai said of his accomplishment.

Patrick became enamored with the game of golf because of his brother Prestin, who participated in the NJG (Nebraska Junior Golf) tour this past summer.

“To see him grow up and get better, it’s just kind of crazy. It really gets harder and harder every day to beat him. He is growing at such a fast rate. I’m honestly kind of proud of him just seeing him get so much better than how I was his age,” Prestin Vilai said.

Making it to Augusta is one of Patrick’s goals in junior golf, but he isn’t done dreaming yet.

“My goal is to be a professional golfer, make some money, and be good,” Patrick said.

The finals in Augusta will be April 7, 2024.

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