Konyk heads to USA after big-hit victory
HUDDERSFIELD golf pro Dan Konyk has rolled back the years to win the American Golf UK Long Drive Championship.
It was his fourth UK title and comes 18 years after bagging his first.
Konyk, 40, blasted a series of enormous drives – including one of 430 yards - to take down the reigning UK champion and several European Tour champions in one of the most hotly-contested Long Drive events ever recorded.
Konyk now goes on to represent American Golf and the UK in the World Championships in the United States next month.
After securing victory Konyk, who owns Woodlands Driving Range in Barnsley, commented: “To win back the UK title for the fourth time, 18 years after my first, is an incredible feeling.
“I’ve trained hard for the Championship and have been showing signs of my best form for the past few weeks.
“It all came together, though, and I was really pleased to post a top drive of 430 yards.
“The competition and set-up that American Golf has put on is as good as I’ve seen in 20 years of Long Drive, and every competitor rose to the occasion.
“I had to be at my best to win against some great hitters, so to get the job done is incredibly satisfying.”
It was clear from the seeding rounds that the bar was going to be set high.
In the first set the Championship record was smashed by Max Armstrong, who sent out a 454-yard monster.
Konyk held his nerve, though, qualifying tied fourth with 420 yards.
Konyk took care of 2016 UK Champion Lucas Dornan in the quarter finals, a victory made sweeter following social media sparring on line in the run-up to the final.
The semi-final against Alex Robertson was perhaps the best match of the day with Konyk having to pull out his 430-yard best to win through to the final.
Robertson can feel unlucky having recorded two marks over 410 yards and still losing, almost unheard of in Long Drive.
The final brought together Konyk and German champion Timo Petrasch.
Despite some huge hits, nerves got the better of Petrasch as he struggled for direction.
Konyk took the first set with 389 yards but Petrasch put a great ball in play to win the second with 384.
With the title on the line in the deciding set, Konyk’s experience came to the fore.
Petrasch didn’t manage to record a legal drive but Konyk stepped up and, needing just to get a ball in play, sent out a 401-yard winner.
Konyk is no stranger to the World Finals but feels this year could bear dividends.
“To win qualification for the World Championships is a great opportunity and I can’t wait to represent the UK and American Golf at the highest level,” he said.
“This will be my 13th World Championships and if I can carry this form forward to the US then I’ve got a real chance of bringing the title home.”