The country’s best (and longest) hitters are hard at work preparing for the SA Championships, which will take place at Copperleaf on 25 November.
Long driving is an up-and-coming spinoff of golf in South Africa – the T20 of golf if you will – with the best in the business now being offered a more international experience thanks to the tireless efforts of the team from Quantum Driving International.
Qualifiers have been on the go for a number of months, with a number of new entrants provided good chances to compete. The event has also been extended to universities, with the top player gaining a spot in the 20-player final.
‘Big things are in the pipeline,’ says Quantum’s GM Matt Eglinton . The SA Champion is likely to have a number of doors open, with international competitions lined up for the 2018 season.
But what does it take to be a long driver? ‘The players come from all walks – some have good golfing backgrounds, while others are high handicappers who have taken well to the game and are able to generate good speed and power,’ says Eglinton.
Each year the event becomes more and more competitive as more players enter the field and try their hand at qualifying, which in itself is a tough challenge. ‘We usually are on the go from 10:00 to 17:30 with six balls being hit every five minutes. It’s a lot of action and there’s a great spirit, with music going and it’s a great day out.’
The final is likely to be no different with families encouraged to watch and enjoy the festivities.
‘There are still a few spots open, which will be filled closer to the date with the final being conducted in a single elimination format. 20 players will play off in round by round to determine the top eight players, who will play off in quarter finals to decide the champion of South Africa.’
The 2017 SA Champs field so far:
