American Golf crown first ever Long Drive Champion
Dan Konyk has been announced as the first ever winner of American Golf’s Long Drive Championship at High Legh Park Golf Club, Cheshire.
Konyk relied on his Callaway Hyper X with Fujikura shaft and Titleist Pro V1 to attain a drive of 333 yards despite heavy rain at the Cheshire golf club.
With over 1000 entrants, the competition was whittled down to an elite group of 15 – to contest for the title at American Golf’s new National Academy at the Knutsford based High Legh Park.
Finalists in three categories; Over 45s, Under 45s and Ladies, were given six attempts to best each other and win the opportunity to take part in the World Long Drive Championship in the USA.
Konyk, well-known within the Long Drive community, commented: “This is one of the most satisfying titles I’ve won.
“I was laid up with a cold when I qualified at my local American Golf and today the tough conditions and quality competition have pushed me all the way.
“I struggled to get loose early on but managed to rip one in the final that was just enough.
“This has been a great event and I’m really excited to go on and represent American Golf and Garmin at the World Long Drive Championship.”
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.”
Steve Kent of Caerphilly Golf Club was crowned the title winner of the Over 45s event, using his Taylormade SLDR, 9.5 degree fitted with a Fujikura Speeder 57 stiff shaft to attain a drive of 328 yards.
Weirside Golf Club member, Rebecca McGinley recorded a massive 279 yards using a TaylorMade SLDR, 10.5 degree fitted with a UST Mamiya shaft.
Think you could best them? Visit www.americangolf.co.uk for more information.