There are now many ways for golfers to
keep themselves entertained during the
winter months, in years gone by it was
just a case of heading down to the driving
range to keep the muscles loose but now
you can play a full 18 holes on an indoor
simulator, head to places like Top Golf
ranges and even take part in night golf but
there is one thing more you can do… Train
to be a Long Drive Champion!
Usually long drive tournaments have
been regarded as US affair but the scene
is becoming bigger in the UK, and now
American Golf in partnership with Garmin
have brought the first major event over to
our shores.
The competition attracted more than a
thousand golfers across the UK. Only
15 people made it through to the Grand
Final, which was held at the American
Golf National Academy at High Legh
Park Golf Club. The competition was
hotly contested with many of the drives
reaching world class distances despite the
wet conditions.
After the knock out stages the finalists in
the 3 categories; Over 45s, Under 45s,
and Ladies, had 6 attempts to stake their
claim for the ultimate prize – a trip to the
USA to take part in the World Long
62 | YOURCADDY MAG - ISSUE 06
Drive Championship. All eyes were on
Daniel Konyk who is a well known figure
in the Long Drive community. So it came
as some surprise when with only 3 balls
remaining Konyk sat behind Over 45
winner Steve Kent.
Konyk hit an incredible 333 yards despite
torrential rain, but Konyk had a little left in
reserve and struck a huge 333 yard drive
through the pouring rain with his fourth
ball, which beat off the competition from
the other finalists ultimately saw him
crowned Champion.
Daniel Gathercole, Head of Marketing at
American Golf commented, “We always
expected this event to attract some big
hitters, but we hadn’t anticipated such
a battle! We are really delighted for Dan
and are sure that he will do a great job
representing American Golf and our
sponsor Garmin on the world stage.”
With a number of different categories
available to enter in too there really is a
chance for anyone to compete, so if you
need to add something different to your
winter regime why not get in shape for
the 2016 competition?