Obituary: Mike Austin

* Mike Austin, professional golfer, died age 95.

Mike Austin, whose 469m drive in 1974 stands as the longest in a professional golf tournament, died this week, aged 95, his wife Tanya said.

Austin was 64 years old when he hit the soaring drive in the United States National Seniors Open Championship at Las Vegas. With help from a 43km/h tailwind, the ball ran well clear of the green 410m away.

The record has held up for more than two decades despite advances in ball and driver technology. Austin used a standard persimmon wood club with a steel shaft.

He had a brief career as a professional golfer, but lacked the short game to match his drives.