A Journey to Nationals

Mars Area Centennial student Caris Hartman gets ready to represent our region at Augusta National—home to one of golf’s biggest events.

At just 11 years old, Caris Hartman is accomplishing feats on the golf course that many seasoned players only dream about. A sixth grader at Mars Area Centennial School, Caris has earned her place among the nation’s top junior golfers.

In September, she clinched first place at the Drive, Chip, and Putt (DCP) Mid-Atlantic Regional Qualifier, securing a coveted spot in the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, host of the Masters Tournament. This amazing accomplishment is just one chapter in the story of a young athlete whose passion for golf began at an early age.

Her introduction to golf came naturally, inspired by her father, Chris Hartman, who’s an accomplished golfer himself. At just 4 years old, Caris began tagging along with her dad to the course. From the passenger seat of his golf cart, she observed the game closely, often swinging her own tiny club or practicing her putts. By the age of 6, her curiosity became genuine interest, and Caris started to take the sport seriously.

Her early training was simple, yet effective—visits to the driving range and putting greens with her dad—where she developed a swing that mimicked his left-handed form, despite being a righty herself. At age 8, Caris attended the Pine Creek Youth Golf Clinic, where she met PGA professional Easton Renwick, who later became her coach. Under Renwick’s guidance, she began private lessons, sharpening her skills and preparing to compete.

In the fall of 2023, Caris entered her first competitive golf season, playing in Pittsburgh-area U.S. Kids Golf tournaments. That same year, she tried her hand at DCP for the first time but didn’t make it past the local qualifier. Rather than being discouraged, Caris set her sights on improvement, dedicating herself to daily practice and focused lessons with Renwick—and her perseverance quickly paid off!

By June 2024, Caris was back at the local DCP qualifier at Butler Country Club, where she finished first in chipping, second in driving and putting, and first overall. This performance earned her a spot at the sub-regional competition at Nemacolin Woodlands. There, amid stiff competition, Caris stood out once again—placing second in both driving and putting and first overall, advancing her to the regional qualifier at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

At Aronimink, Caris faced her most challenging test yet: only the first-place winner would advance to the National Finals, and the stakes were high! Rising to the occasion, she delivered an exceptional performance, highlighted by a chip-in on her second attempt, which took her to victory. With her first-place finish, she secured a spot in the DCP National Finals, set to take place at Augusta National on April 6—the Sunday before the Masters.

“It’s really a dream come true,” says Caris.

Her journey wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of her parents, Chris and Andrea Hartman, and her siblings, Cale, Dylan and Devin. Her extended family, friends, and the members of Sewickley Heights Golf Club have also rallied around her, cheering her on at every step. Some will even be traveling to Augusta to watch her compete in person.

“She achieved her goal, and she was so proud of herself,” Andrea recalls. “As we drove home, Caris said, ‘Let’s see what else I can do!’”

When asked what advice she would give to other young athletes, her response reflects her disciplined mindset: “Have

fun, love what you do, and put in the practice time. It’s the hours of hard work when nobody is watching that separates you from the competition.”

Looking to the future, Caris is excited to continue competing in U.S. Kids tournaments and exploring new opportunities, including American Junior Golf Association events. She hopes to represent her school on the golf team, and dreams of one day playing Division 1 college golf with the ultimate goal of joining the LPGA Tour.

The DCP Finals will be held on Sunday, April 6, at Augusta National, prior to the start of the 89th Masters Tournament.

Tune in to watch it live on the Golf Channel or NBC Sports digital.