After taking on over 5000 entrants, national success and a spot at the world championships is just one drive away.
Warlingham golfer James Fawsett has qualified for the final of the American Golf U.K. Long Drive Championship following a hugely impressive drive of 405 yards in the Under 45 category regional qualifying. This achievement leaves 25 year old, who works as a golf club green keeper, just one step away from the national title and a place in the World Championships in the U.S.
James who plays golf at Walton Heath, was one of over 5000 budding long drivers who entered the event that is run by nationwide golf retailer American Golf. He won his first stage qualifying event at his local American Golf store in February, progressing to regional qualifying where he sent out a 405 yard monster to secure a 3rd place on the national leaderboard and a spot in the final. He now lines up against the best long drivers in the U.K at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire on 4th August, where he will battle it out for the national title and the only U.K. Under 45 qualifying spot for the World Championships in Oklahoma.
On qualifying for the final James commented, “Long drive is something I only started this year. Since a teenager I’ve wanted to play golf professionally. I represented Surrey County golf from the age of 14, and at 18 accepted a golf scholarship to the USA where I spent 4 incredible years playing collegiate golf and getting a degree in Hawaii. Since returning I’ve worked in golf as a caddie and currently I’m a greenkeeper. Reaching the pinnacle of amateur golf is still a goal, while also exploring the new long drive opportunities.”
After watching qualifying come to a close at the American Golf Manchester Golf Show, Daniel Gathercole, Director of Marketing and Communications at American Golf commented, “The standard of qualifying this year has been amazing. To make the final from over 5000 entrants is an incredible achievement. This Championship really has brought together every type of golfer, from professionals to big hitting club golfers, and we can’t wait to find our 3 Champions who’ll go on to represent the U.K. and American Golf at the World Championships.”
The 2017 Under 45, Over 45 and Ladies finals will be shown on Sky Sports. Spectator entry to the final will be completely free and all are welcome. The Long Drive Championship is one part of American Golf’s drive to get more people hitting more balls and for 2017 those balls have been going a very long way!