Rebecca McGinley swung to victory at the Grand Final of American Golf Long Drive Championship. With two awesome drives of 321 and 279 yards, she was crowned American Golf’s Ladies Long Drive Champion.


Prudhoe Golf Professional Rebecca McGinley swung to victory at the Grand Final of American Golf Long Drive Championship. Despite torrential rain, McGinley hit an incredible 321 yard drive in the first round qualifying matches before sending out a drive of 279 yards in the final to be crowned American Golf’s Ladies Long Drive Champion.

The competition attracted more than a thousand golfers across the UK. Only 5 women made it through to the Grand Final, which was held at the American Golf National Academy at High Legh Park Golf Club on August 21st. The competition was hotly contested, with many of the drives reaching world class distances.

After the knock out stages McGinley as well as the finalists in the other 2 categories; Over 45s and Under 45s, had 6 attempts to stake their claim for the ultimate prize – a trip to the USA to take part in the World Long Drive Championship in 2016. McGinley beat fellow finalist Becky Tilke of Woodsbury Park Golf Club by hitting an impressive 279 yards with her third ball in the final. This came after a drive of 321 yards which had stunned the crowd in the qualifying rounds. Rebecca now goes on to represent American Golf and Garmin in the 2016 World Long Drive Championship.

McGinley commented, “It’s been a fantastic event and I’m delighted to be crowned the American Golf Ladies Long Drive Champion. Playing on the Ladies European Access Tour I’m known as one of the biggest hitters but with the conditions today and the great competition I had to perform to my best. To pull out a drive of 321 yards was very pleasing as it wasn’t far off the best the men had to offer. I just can’t wait now to go on and represent American Golf and Garmin at the World Long Drive Championship and test myself against the best ladies in the world.”

Daniel Gathercole, Head of Marketing at American Golf commented, “We always expected this event to attract some big hitters, but we hadn’t anticipated such a battle! We are really delighted for Rebecca and are sure that she and our men’s winner Dan will do a great job representing American Golf and our sponsor Garmin on the world stage.”

Results across all the categories were as follows:

Over 45s winner was Steve Kent of Caerphilly with 328 yards

Under 45s winner was Dan Konyk of Sheffield with 333 yards