By Fareen Samji
Amongst the 14 countries from around the world that competed in the 2023 ULD World Long Drive Championship (October 4–9) in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.A., Team Canada Amateur Long Drive (ALD) sent a Canadian contingent of 35 competitors. Age divisions ranged from 7–65, male and female. The strength and the undaunting spirit of the Canadian team garnered six amateur wins and three pro wins, and a host of top five finishes across all age divisions — competing against an international long drive hitters’ talent pool of 200+ hitters — an incredible performance for Team Canada Long Drive.
Burlington’s Fareen Samji, tour commissioner for Amateur Long Drive Canada, has been on a mission to grow and develop long drive in Canada. “When I was a professional long driver, I had one event to hit at in Canada, and for all other events, I had to travel to the U.S. or internationally to compete. Each event in the U.S. will cost $3000 for the week once you take in your travel and missed work opportunities. It’s just not sustainable for someone new to the sport who wants to develop.” Amateur Long Drive Canada provides local low-cost events for anyone to compete in and see if they like the sport. If they do, then there are more opportunities to grow and develop into a competitive hitter. You don’t need any special equipment or extra time in your schedule. Events are on weekend afternoons for an hour or so and currently are being offered in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, and are open to all hitters from ages U7–75+.
Samji mentions, “It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out on display like this with the crowd cheering you on and they all did it. I am so proud of all of ALD Team Canada Long Drive and what they’ve accomplished this year. Hopefully they inspire many more Canadians, young or mature, female or male, to do this.” Samji also won the women’s pro 45+ division with a drive of 320 yards. Another local success story is Glen Spry, of Waterdown: this is Spry’s first year competing in long drive, and he finished second in the 50+ division with 340 years. “He’s one to watch,” says Samji.
Samji has been effectively building the Canadian team for four years now and continues to grow the talent pool. “I know that this sport is gaining attraction and incredible excitement in Canada, and I believe we have amazing talent to grow the future of Amateur Long Drive. Like its parent sport, golf, long drive attracts many athletes, and promises to continue to thrill the young and old at heart.” In a typical long drive event, you hit two sets of six balls, and the longest ball that stays in the 50 yard wide grid is your score. The season starts Jan. 2024 with indoors events in Burlington, other locations in Ontario, in Alberta, and in British Columbia.
If you’re the one who hits the ball further than your friends, try out a long drive event near you. Head to aldcanada.com for the details
Full list of team finishers and their longest drives:
Men’s 65+
Doug Downey, 3rd place: 285 yards
Men’s 60+
Marty Chapple, 3rd place: 282 yards
Men’s 55+
Scott Kennedy, 3rd place: 306 yards
Serge Caya, 4th place
Robert Desbiens, 6th place
Men 50+
Glen Spry, 2nd place: 340 yards
Serge Caya, 5th place
Scott Kennedy, 9th place
Men 45+
Francis Michel, 5th place: 357 yards
Kevin Heinrichs, 9th
Men 35+
Dan Broadbent, 6th place: 359 yards
John Vanderstelt, 7th place
Ian Burgess, 11th place
Warren Inskip, 12th place
Dave Ammerman, 15th place
Men’s Open
Ian Burgess, 4th place: 415 yards
Marlon Whiskeyjack, 5th place
Curtis Mutter, top 16
Warren Inskip, top 16
John Vanderstelt, top 16
Nick Wong, T22
Cole Fittler, T28
Dave Ammerman, T29
Womens 60+
Lori Danecke, winner: 230 yards
Womens 55+
Barbara Moody, winner: 208 yards
Women’s 40+
Lori Blencow, winner: 285 yards
Women’s 35+
Lori Blencow, winner: 301 yards
Women’s Open
Chloe Jacques, T3: 294 yards
Youth 13U
Liam LaFrance, 2nd place: 307 yards
Dryden Scobie, T3
Boy’s 9 Under
Tome Delov, 2nd place: 178 yards
Girl’s 11 Under
Maggie Delov, winner: 188 yards
Junior Girls 17 Under
Chloe Jacques, winner: 318 yards
Junior Boys 17 Under
Corben Scobie, T3: 360 yards
Aiden Bates, T4
Carson Kennedy, T5
Women’s Pro Open and 35+
Kelly Rudney, winner: 355 yards
Women’s Pro 45+
Fareen Samji, winner: 320 yards
