Borgmeier Defeats DeChambeau For World Long Drive Title

By LOU MARTIN

The Progress

One hundred and twenty pro long drivers teed off on Tuesday Sept. 27 in Mesquite, hoping to advance in the Professional Long Drivers Association’s annual World Long Drivers Championship. Drivers from all over the country, and the world, attempted to win the belt and a $50,000 prize.

After three days of round robin qualifying 16 drivers remained in the Open Division of the event. Each driver would compete in five sets, 2:30 minutes and try to keep at least one of six attempts in the grid to gain points to move on to the final eight.

After five grueling rounds 8 drivers remained including LIV pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau who came in at #5 competing for the second time in the World Championship event.

Joining DeChambeau in the final eight were Zach Holton #1, Will Hogue #2, Justin James #3, Mark Costello #4, Sean Johnson #6, Martin Borgmeier #7 and Scottie Pearman in the #8 position.

Surprisingly two time champion Kyle Berkshire did not advance after winning easily the past two years.
The eight were split into two groups of four drivers. The first group consisted of Holton, Costello, DeChambeau and Pearman.

After six attempts, Holton and DeChambeau advanced to the final four with drives of 405 and 397 yards.
In the second group, seeking to advance, were Hogue, James, Johnson and Borgmeier. Borgmeier who had problems earlier in keeping his drives within the grid, seemed to come to life as the well-liked

German found his groove in the final 8 with a drive of 418 yards to lead all qualifiers. James joined him in the four with a drive of 405 yards.

Borgmeier led DeChambeau into the finals with a drive of 411 yards. DeChambeau advanced on his last drive of 407 yards.

DeChambeau led Borgmeier 406 to 394 before the tall German hit two straight balls for 416 and 426 yards respectively.

Borgmeier went ballistic when the win was announced, grabbing the belt and running around the grid happily in a state of shock until DeChambeau gave him a congratulatory hug.
Borgmeier received the $50,000 dollar prize along with the championship belt.

In a side note, DeChambeau seemed to be not as bulked up physically as he was last year. He seemed quite small alongside Borgmeier.

In an earlier final senior event competitor Eddie Fernandes won the Senior World title easily over Jeff Gavin 411 to 363 yards.