I attended a seminar that was being held here in the Netherlands and barely 3 weeks later I was competing at my first event, the German Long Drive Championship. My goal for that weekend was to make it through the qualifying stage since I didn’t have any experience in long drive yet. But that weekend, I ended up playing and winning my first-ever event. It was very overwhelming since long drive is a bit different than regular golf. I had been playing national and international tournaments with the ‘normal’ golf since I was eleven. So, I was used to it being very quiet on the course, a huge contrast to a long drive tournament. Picture a stand next to that platform with a DJ playing loud music while everyone is cheering. Luckily, I practice with music a lot, so it didn’t distract me at all. The music even helps me focus better since it is a constant noise, instead of an unpredictable one that can catch you off-guard.
My goal for next year is to qualify for the World Championship, which means I have to train a lot next to my studies and work. I study marketing, next to my job at the Mondial, it is a golf course here in the Netherlands. This makes it easy for me to get some practice in, after work. When I am not away at tournaments, I help out with the youth lessons there as a youth coach on Sundays.
My goal is to qualify for the World Championship
“With all the off-season practice now, I will be ready for the new season! Next year we will have more tournaments all over Europe with the European Long Drive Games, so if you see us near you, definitely come and have a look! We love to show you more of long drive!”
Long drive demands a lot from your body, so it is best to be in good physical health. That means I spend time in the gym to improve my strength to prevent injuries and to be able to hit the ball further. This year I suffered a wrist injury which unfortunately held me back from playing events. That is why my wrists are now one of the focus points that I want to strengthen this off-season.
Besides getting stronger, the technique is important as well. But not every driving range is fit for a long drive practice session. It must be long enough so there isn’t a chance I could bring someone in danger by hitting it over the fence. There are some ranges here in the Netherlands where I can practice without having to worry about that. Otherwise, a hitting bay is sufficient, especially when my only focus is technique or speed, then I don’t have to worry about which direction it is going. I have a tiny speed radar which gives me instant feedback on how I have hit the ball.
With all the off-season practice now, I will be ready for the new season! Next year we will have more tournaments all over Europe with the European Long Drive Games, so if you see us near you, definitely come and have a look! We love to show you more of long drive!
