By BOB PEARCE
Who was the longest hitter at the New Zealand Open at The Grange yesterday? - Davyn Nola.
Don't look for him in the list of competitors. The 26-year-old Aucklander paid his $20 entrance fee as a spectator.
But he could show the pros a thing or two about crushing those
drives on the par-fives.
Nola is in the top 20 of the world's longest drivers with a personal best of over 400 yards. He averages 353 yards.
Canadian Jason Zubuck holds the official world record with a carry of 430 yards and 10 inches, achieved in thin air.
Nola reached the finals of the world long-drive championships in Mesquite, Nevada, in October from an original entry of 10,000 entrants from 10 countries.
Armed with a couple of clubs, in contrast with seasoned competitors with up to 14, Nola won a local qualifier in Maryland with 364 yards and a district qualifier in New Jersey with 359 yards.
The final in adverse conditions was won by Victor Johansson, of Sweden, with 316 yards. Nola had one drive of 372 yards in the early stages but did not reach the final group.
Competitors have six balls to fire in five minutes and drives must finish in an area 45 yards wide.
Nola uses Integra gear with a 50-inch shaft, six inches longer than normal. The club has a four-degree loft.
His next target is a top-30 contest in South Africa in May, where the top prize is $US100,000 ($221,000).
How does his driving fit with his golf game - "I did once play off a two handicap, but I don't play many rounds now. My short game is no good.
"I've also been banned from a couple of driving ranges because I hit it too far. I usually use the range at Ellerslie golf course because there's plenty of room."
