The Path to the National Finals: Ainsley Pasukinis Swings for Glory

By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | June 28, 2025 | Photo courtesy Team Photo

At just 10 years old, Ainsley Pasukinis is already making a name for herself in the world of junior golf, proving that passion, practice, and a competitive spirit can take you far — even all the way to Augusta.

Ainsley’s journey began early. She first picked up a golf club at the tender age of 2 and entered her first tournament by age 7. Now, just three years later, she’s blazing a trail to the National Finals of the prestigious Drive, Chip, and Putt Challenge — a youth golf competition that culminates at Augusta National Golf Club during The Masters tournament.

On June 19th, Ainsley competed in a national qualifier at Wyoming Valley Country Club, where she not only advanced to the next round — she dominated. For the first time in her young career, Ainsley swept all three sections of the competition, placing first in the Drive (scoring 10), Chip (45), and Putt (41) categories. Her total score of 96 earned her a commanding victory and a spot in the next round of qualifiers.

Her next challenge awaits on August 11th at Berkshire Country Club in Reading, PA. To advance to the final national qualifier at Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier, PA on September 13, she’ll need to finish in the top two. From there, only the top competitor in each age bracket earns the right to compete at the national level in Augusta in April.

Ainsley will compete in the 10–11-year-old girls’ bracket, one of eight divisions (four age brackets for both boys and girls) with only ten finalists in each bracket making it to Augusta — a stage shared with golf legends during one of the sport’s most iconic weeks.

But this isn’t her first taste of victory. Last year, at just 9 years old, she was crowned the Mill Race Jr. Girls Champion, besting opponents up to age 13. She also earned the title of Berwick Club Jr. Girls Champion in her age group. Ainsley currently plays for the Berwick Golf Club Junior Team, where she continues to sharpen her skills.

When asked about her favorite part of the Drive, Chip, and Putt challenge, Ainsley simply said, “The whole thing!” It’s a sentiment that reflects both her joy for the game and her relentless competitive drive.

“She likes to golf for fun, but she also likes to compete and win,” her dad, Bill, shared. “She’s very competitive — there are tears when she loses.” Bill is not only her coach but also a driving force behind her success, along with her mom Kaelee. This next school year, her dad will begin coaching the local high school team, which could give Ainsley opportunities to face older, more experienced players in the near future — a challenge she seems ready to embrace, even as she heads into just the 4th grade.

Despite her competitive nature, Ainsley balances serious practice with fun. Once a week, she trains with focus, but much of her improvement comes from playful, yet skill-building, competitions at home. Bill has built a mini 3-green golf course in their yard where father and daughter play about four times a week — often wagering on fun prizes like ice cream or battling in chip challenges where the loser owes push-ups.

Ainsley Pasukinis is the kind of athlete who reminds us what youth sports are all about — heart, hard work, family, and the joy of competition. As she continues down the road to Augusta, one thing is certain: she’s a name to remember in the world of junior golf.

From all of us at Sportzwire, we wish Ainsley the very best as she takes her next big swing on the Path to the National Finals.

Ainsley, age 2 1/2, with a golf club taller than her.

Backyard 3-green golf course

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