At 15 and 13 years old, Kipp and Zane Madison are an unstoppable brother duo. The two have been playing golf from the moment they started to walk. Their parents, Earl and Lori, love golf, so it was a joy to share it with their sons.
Both boys started out with a set of plastic golf clubs. “Kipp would hit the balls around the house,” Lori says. “Then, when Zane came along, he also had plastic clubs. We would go out as a family to play together.” In addition to going out on the course together, Earl has been able to coach the boys—something that made an impact on Kipp. “My dad really helped me when I was little,” Kipp recalls. “He would be my coach and go out to the golf course with me.” Kipp also remembers all the times his mom would watch their lessons.
Kipp’s talent for golf became evident as he got older. “I started playing in tournaments when I was around five years old,” Kipp says. “I played in U.S. Kids tournaments and more recently competed in Drip Golf GA, PGA Jr., and AJGA tournaments.” Zane started competing when he was close to seven years old and, along with two others from Augusta, was the first from Augusta to make it to the Drive, Chip, and Putt finals in 2022. He is hoping to compete in the Drive, Chip, and Putt again in the next few years.
Zane especially enjoys the relationships he has built through golf. “I've met so many people through golf. It's a great way to connect with friends,” he says. He also loves the opportunity to spend time with family. “I like spending time with Kipp and my dad on the golf course,” Zane says. “We get competitive, but not too competitive, so it’s always fun.”
For Kipp, his hopes for his golfing career include winning the Drive, Chip, and Putt again this year. His first win was in 2024, and he is the only youth from Augusta to ever win the competition. “It was very special to be from Augusta and win,” says Kipp. “Hopefully I can do it again this year.”
Along with improving his physical game, Kipp is improving his mental game and attitude on the course. “It's so much more than going out there and hitting a ball,” he explains. “I only spend a few minutes swinging the golf club on the course but am out there four to five hours.”
Similarly, Zane’s focus is on improving not only his golfing—especially as he hopes to compete in the Drive, Chip, and Putt competition this year—but also grow in how he encourages others on the course. “After we finish a round, we give out cards with a Bible verse on them to the people we’re playing with,” Zane explains. “We write a little note on it and give them a ball marker that has the Bible verse Romans 12:2 on it.” The boys are also hoping to use their sponsorship money to help other juniors get the equipment they need and encourage others through that.
Both brothers continue to grow and recognize the importance of a good attitude in golf and life. “I love the emotions and competition,” Kipp shares, “but at the end of the day, it's a game and I’d rather have fun than get frustrated and ruin it. You can always improve your attitude and have more fun.” Their growth on and off the course is sure to continue for years to come.