Feb. 7, 2005 – The record for the longest drive in golf will come under challenge at London City Airport. Organisers of April’s London Golf Show, in partnership with London City Airport, have invited some of Europe’s biggest hitters to try their luck on the runway on Saturday, February 12.
Long Drivers of Europe (LDE) - including the European champion Paul Slater, Austrian champion William Hunt-Tyrrell and Irish champion and former world record holder Phil “The Power” Naylor - will be present, in addition to the many SPARKS - Sport Aiding Medical Research for Kids - celebrities who will fancy a shot at the title.
These include golf-mad rock star Rick Wakeman and legendary All Black Zinzan Brooke who have already confirmed their attendance.
Distances in excess of 350 yards are commonplace at LDE events with a stunning effort of more than 415 yards winning one of the European Long Driving Championship rounds of 2004.
These distances are carry and roll. The longest recorded ‘carry’ is 458 yards - so some spectacular driving is guaranteed. Indeed, it is hoped the unofficial record for a ‘roll’ might also be toppled.
Jay Tyson, project manager for the London Golf Show, said: “The official Guinness World Record has to take place on a golf course at sea-level. There have been various attempts on runways in the past – the current ‘record’ for this, of 696 yards, was set by Stuart Appleby in Melbourne just last month.
“The mark of 700 yards is the driving equivalent of the four-minute mile; it’s a landmark distance – and there’s every chance one of the participants next month might achieve it.”
Tyson’s optimism is echoed by the LDE’s managing director, Neil Hodgson.
He said: “Obviously the distance is determined by the conditions on the day and in London in February it’s likely to be cold and windy – but if anybody can do it, it’s these guys.
“They are Europe’s elite. They’re all very good golfers in their own right – either professionals or very low handicappers. It should be a great occasion; long driving is a fantastically spectacular spectator sport.”
The London Golf Show is more than just a show – it is a total golfing experience. It is a four-day retail exhibition aimed at all standards of golfer and showcases the best of more than 400 exhibitors, with products ranging from golf tees to golf resorts; from drivers to buggies.
Visitors will be able to try the latest in golf equipment, meet with the pros, get advice, find great deals on clubs and clothes and see a whole world of golfing destinations and holidays – all in the center of London.
The floating green in the Victoria Docks is for a hole-in-one competition, and other visitor attractions include an indoor driving range and a nine-hole putting competition. There will also be a daily long-drive challenge with the best pitting themselves against LDE players in a head-to-head shoot-out.
The London Golf Show takes place at the ExCel Center, London, on April 21-24, 2005. Check out the website at: www.londongolfshow.com.
Adult tickets are £15 on the door with an “early birdie” discount of £5 for those applying now. Similarly, junior tickets are £7.50 on the door with “early birdie” discounts of £2.50 available now through the website bringing the cost down to £5.
Contact:
Pete Richardson, Dave Bowers or Lee Todd
08700 330 550 or 07786 238920
pete@peterichardsoncommunications.com
dave@peterichardsoncommunications.com
lee@peterichardsoncommunications.com
