American Golf UK Long Drive Championship preview

Europe’s biggest hitters will descend on Heythrop Park Golf Club for the climax of the American Golf UK Long Drive Championship and excitement is building.

The final, which is free to attend at the Oxfordshire venue on Friday August 4, is the most competitive ever and is bringing together Europe’s strongest Long Drive field to compete for the 2017 UK title and a coveted spot in the World Long Drive Championship.

Each competitor has won through two stages of qualifying against over 5000 golfers to reach the final with records tumbling throughout. Five of the qualifiers have hit over 400 yards with Scotland’s John McSloy leading the way on 415 yards!

David Wheatley has the lowdown on the candidates and all the latest odds with Sky Bet pricing up the event.

PLACE YOUR BETS: AMERICAN GOLF UK LONG DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIP!

Lucas Dornan - 4/1

The defending champions has been injured for much of the year but has just returned to training and shouldn’t be discounted after last year’s winning performance.

James Tait - 4/1

Has a sponsors invite after just missing out at regional qualifying. Has competed well on Long Drive World Series this year, beating World Long Drive Championship runner-up Tim Burke in his last outing. Working with renowned LD coach Lee Cox and is one to watch.

Adam Stacey - 11/2

Qualified T6 with 397 yards. Experienced long driver with 19 worldwide wins but last event was six years ago so much will depend on his reaction to a return to competition.

Dan Konyk - 7/1

Qualified in fifth with 401 yards. 2015 champion returning to form this year after a quiet 2016. Has consistently hit well this season without getting results. Very experienced long driver who is returning to form.

Brad Pearmain - 9/1

Sponsors invite after just missing out at the regionals. Seeded in first place at 2016 final before hitting six OB shots in the quarter-finals. Recorded first win on Long Drive European Tour this year at German Open and has hit his first 400-yard drive in competition. Real contender on his day.

Alex Robertson - 9/1

Qualified T6 with 397 yards. 2016 semi-finalist who has gained valuable experience on Long Drive European Tour this year. Second at the Austrian Open and qualified strongly here for the final. Odds dropped dramatically after his win in Slovenia on LDET this weekend. In form and looking good.

Adam Hussain - 12/1

Qualified T9 with 389 yards. The doctor from Stockport took part in qualifying for fun and beat many of the professionals. Not a favourite but can’t be ruled out after an unexpected display to reach this stage.

Max Armstrong - 12/1

Sponsors invite after just missing out at the regionals. Relative newcomer to long drive but very impressive raw talent. Working with Joe Miller’s coach Lee Cox, so one to watch.

David Evans - 14/1

Qualified in second with 412 yards. 2016 runner-up who went on to take part in the World Long Drive Championships. Amateur long driver who consistently impresses in competition conditions. Worth a second glance at the price.

John McSloy - 14/1

No.1 qualifier with 415 yards. Hugely impressive at qualifying and showed up well at the 2016 finals. Not a full time long driver and can be inconsistent but on his day could destroy the field.

James Fawsett - 16/1

Qualified third with 405 yards. Accomplished golfer, playing off scratch but inexperienced at long drive although qualifying distance must make him a contender

Timo Petrasch - 16/1

Qualified T9 with 389 yards. Has hit well this year on Long Drive European Tour. Flew into qualifying from Germany to hit six balls so taking this competition very seriously. He looks a good outside bet.

Vincent Palm - 16/1

Qualified in fourth with 403 yards. Won in Hungary on Long Drive European Tour with 424 yards. Good form and another German competitor who travelled especially to qualify for the final. Good form, winning pedigree this year and big qualifying numbers. Looks a great bet at these odds.

Matt Blair - 28/1

Qualified in eighth with 392 yards but a complete novice in long drive. This big-hitting club golfer impressed in qualification but it would be a real surprise if he featured against an experienced and very strong field.

Nigel Hunt - 33/1

Qualified T9 with 389 yards. Strong showing at qualifying but little known about this outside prospect.

Mark Thompson - 40/1

Qualified T9 with 389 yards. Appeared at 2016 final with little success. Not competed since so despite good qualification, rates a real outsider.

Conclusion:

A high-quality field but the 16/1 about Vincent Palm could be worth an investment.

Event details:

Friday August 4 at Heythrop Park Golf Club - free entry

TIMINGS:

9.00 - 12.00 Seeding & Elimination Rounds

12.00 - 14.00 Quarter Finals

15.00 - 17.00 Semi-Finals

17.30 -19.30 Finals