First set of finals done and dusted

The Amateur Long Drive (ALD), Xtreme Long Drive SA (XLD) and Professional Long Drive Association (PLDA) South African finals recently took place at the Grasslands Driving Range in Benoni and what a day it was.

Loads of determination, nerves and excitement could be seen on the day as men from all over came to fight for the titles at hand.

The results were:

XLD finals

• Winner: Jason Cook

• Runner up: Thorne van Zyl

• Third: Marco das Neves

• Longest drive: Jason Cook 420.4m

• Champion long driver of the season: Thorne van Zyl

“The pros all came through to show just how motivated they were,” said Stephen van Zyl, Grid Pro owner.

“They showed exceptional talent and while season winner Thorne van Zyl injured his back, he still managed to prove his dedication and is still on the right track. The winner of the event, Jason Cook, showed he still can give the youngsters a go.”

PLDA finals

• Winner: David Melman

• Runner up: Jason Vickers

• Third: Donovan Snyman

• Longest drive: David Melman 410.9m

• Order of merit winner: Thorne van Zyl

“Some of the favourites fell out along the way, but it just goes to show how unpredictable long driving can be,” explained Stephen.

“Melman showed his nerve against Jason Vickers, the fastest-swinging long driver in South Africa, and yet again it showcased some fantastic hitting.”

ALD finals

• Winner: Delarey van Tonder

• Runner up: Wade Dick

• Third: Hendri Viljoen

• Longest drive: Delarey van Tonder 377m

• Order of merit winner: Andrew Mare

“What a fantastic showing by not only the winners but also the two finalists,” he said.

“Van Tonder and Dick, both newcomers to the sport, were hitting great distances to say the least. Both these hitters have a great future in the long drive but let’s see what the rest of the season has in store for them and us.”

ALD senior finals

• Winner: Slade Dixon

• Runner up: Hennie du Plessis

• Third: Chris Harmse

• Longest drive: Chris Harmse 350.5m

• Order of merit winner: Johan du Plessis

“What a showing by our seniors,” he exclaimed.

“Senior hitters always come to support their sons at the long drive, but since we started the senior division, the dads just love competing and their sons show their support equally.

“Well done to all our athletes who took part in the two-day finals with four events to go before the GridPro SA finals, which will take place on November 27 and 28.”

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