Long-driving William rolls back the years

GOREY GOLFER William Hunt-Tyrell rolled back the years to record a hugely impressive third place in the Over-45 category of the American Golf U.K. Long Drive Championship. Hunt-Tyrell (46) blasted a series of enormous drives - including one of 413 yards - to take down the best Senior long drivers that Europe has to offer, only falling short of glory at the semi-final stage of one of the most hotly-contested long drive events ever recorded.

Hunt-Tyrell, who plays his golf out of the Arklow club, returned from a 13-year break from the sport to compete in the American Golf championship, a decision that he is very happy with.

‘This has been an exquisite day out. I’d really like to thank American Golf for making my return to the long drive scene very special! I am disappointed not to have got further in the competition, particularly after hitting 413 yards in the previous round, but after 13 years away I can’t help but feel a little proud of my performance.’

It was clear from the seeding rounds that the bar was going to be set high. In the first set Hunt-Tyrell smashed the championship record with 413 yards while seven other players hit further than ever before seen in the category.

The quarter-finals brought Hunt-Tyrell up against reigning champion Anton Reader whom he dispatched 2-0 with huge drives of 391 and 375 yards. Going into the semi’s, Hunt-Tyrell was hot favourite for the round and the title but he came up against an in-form Charles Seo who was determined to make the most of his third final appearance.

Hunt-Tyrell couldn’t quite reach the heights of earlier in the day while Seo hit a huge 393 to help him take the round by two sets to one. Seo then progressed to take the title and the coveted prize of qualification for the world championships.

All three category finals of the American Golf U.K. long drive championship will be shown on Sky Sports, with the first airing on October 17.