The world’s longest drivers will be slogging it out in the normally tranquil surroundings of the Berkshire Polo Club in Windsor this summer, after it was announced that the Long Drive World Series is heading to the UK for the first time.
The Long Drive World Series is a unique event, which sees thousands of spectators gather to watch the biggest hitters from across the globe compete for the World Series title and a big-money prize fund.
After selling out its inaugural event in Dubai in March, where American Tim Burke emerged victorious with a winning drive of 335 yards – achieved into a 30mph head wind – the Long Drive World Series has confirmed that its second event will take place here in the UK.
The event will be hosted on Saturday, July 8 at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club in Windsor, a venue that has played host to many international sports and entertainment events, and is also home to the Prince of Wales tournament, one of the most popular events in the polo calendar.
During the event, ten of the biggest hitters in the world, along with six qualifiers, will go head-to-head, all in the hope of being crowned champion and securing the largest piece of a £50,000 prize fund.
Among those set to feature on the card is London-born Joe Miller, the current and two-time world champion. Miller is regarded by many as the best long drivers in the world today and, at 6ft 4 inches tall and 19 stone, he represents the new breed of long drivers, combining strength, speed and power – arguably the three core attributes of any successful competitor within the sport today.
Also in action is Tim Burke, winner of the Dubai leg of this year’s Long Drive World Series, and UK Champion Lucas Dornan, who lives just minutes from the polo club, and whose longest recorded drive is 427 yards, making him a serious contender at this year’s series. They will be joined by many of the world’s other elite long drivers, including current European Tour champion Maurice Allen, and reigning Portuguese champion Ilija Djurdjevic.
The floodlit event is free to attend, and takes place at night so that golf balls show up more clearly against the night sky. Other entertainment during the evening will include a DJ set from Ashley James, as well as a celebrity hit-off, which will see a group of well-known faces vie for the coveted celebrity longest drive title. The evening will also feature open qualifying, which provides an opportunity for members of the public to try their hand at long driving in the hope of being invited to take part in the UK leg itself.