American Golf Long Drive won by 333 yd shot

The competitors were split into three groups at the American Golf National Academy.

The first American Golf Long Drive competition was won by a 333 yard drive from Dan Konyk last week.

Over a thousand golfers from the United Kingdom attempted to reach the grand final, with only 15 making it to the event at the American Golf National Academy on Friday.

The competitors were split into three categories, under 45s, over 45s and ladies, with Konyk coming out on top in torrential rain. He used a Callaway Hyper X driver and a Titleist Pro V1 ball.

Each player was allowed six chances to hit their longest drive and in the process win a trip to the World Long Drive Championship in America.

Konyk came out on top with his fourth ball, edging ahead of the over 45s' Steve Kent.

Afterwards, Konyk, who is well known for his long drives, said: "This is one of the most satisfying titles I’ve won.

"I was laid up with a cold when I qualified at my local American Golf and today the tough conditions and quality competition have pushed me all the way. I struggled to get loose early on but managed to rip one in the final that was just enough."

Kent, from Caerphilly GC, finished top of the over 45s using a TaylorMade SLDR and hit 328 yards.

Rebecca McGinley, of Weirside GC, won the ladies category with a TaylorMade SLDR and hit 279 yards.

Daniel Gathercole, Head of Marketing at American Golf, said: "We always expected this event to attract some big hitters, but we hadn’t anticipated such a battle.

"We are really delighted for Dan and are sure that he will do a great job representing American Golf and our sponsor Garmin on the world stage."