Watch how to drive it long

Sep 10 2009 by Tim Taylor, The Journal

IF you enjoy seeing a golf ball lashed almost out of sight, you might be tempted to catch any one of the three days of the TSG European Long Drive Championships, which start at Close House tomorrow.

It’s free entry every day, but make sure to go along on the last day, Sunday, not only because that is when the spectacular event, being staged in the North East for the first time, will reach its climax.

The reigning champion, Swede Mikael Lindblom, is giving a free 30-minute golf trick show starting at noon. On the same day there is also free PGA golf coaching available, both for novices and established golfers, from 10am to 5pm, with all equipment provided.

And there will be family golf games laid on, for which there is a small charge. All of which are sideshows to the main event in which the crowd pleasers are another Swede, Patrik Andersson, Adam Stacey, England’s former world No 3, and the current English champion, Paul Slater, holder of the world longest drive record of 884 yards. The event, though, is open to anybody who thinks they can hit long enough, and accurate enough to keep the ball inside a 50-yard-wide grid. Local qualifying tomorrow is open to anyone – simply turn up any time after noon, pay a fiver and hit six balls. Qualifying stops at 5pm and the longest 12 on the day join the stars of the event in the next round on Saturday.

Sunday’s play involves a junior championship (10am-noon) featuring youngsters from Tyneside, Westerhope, Hexham, Close House, Middlesbrough Brass Castle and Walbottle School Golf Academy. There’s also a ladies’ final.

For more information, ring (01661) 852255 or visit www.closehouse.co.uk or www.longdrivers-eu.com