how to compete
ANYONE CAN COMPETE IN LONG DRIVE
There are 2 areas in which anyone can compete in the sport of Long Drive.
(A) ANNUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING
Step 1 - Compete in a Local Qualifying Event.
Pay the entry fee and you will receive 1 attempt (6 balls per attempt) to register the longest drive of that Local Qualifier. Pay and enter as many times as you wish. For every 7 paid attempts per round, we will be awarding one Regional Qualification. Ex. 7+ entries = 1 Regional;
14+ entries = 2 Regionals; etc.
Click HERE for a list of Hosted Local Qualifiers being setup around the country in addition to Local Qualifiers being held during all PLDA Event weekends. Check back often as this list will be updated as new hosts sign up to host events near you.
IMPORTANT 2022 CHANGE: Once you have obtained a Regional Qualification from ANY Local Qualifier you may then register and compete in as many Regional Qualifiers as you like. You DO NOT need to re-qualify again at the Local Level for additional Regional Qualifier entries. As always, PLDA Membership is not required to compete in Local Qualifiers, but is required for Regionals and Worlds.
Step 2 - Compete in a Regional Qualifying Event
Anyone who competed in a Local Qualifier and earned an entry into a Regional Qualifier may then register for any and all Regional events around the country. Regional Qualifiers are double elimination format typically with 4 hitters on the tee box at one time going head-to-head. For every 10 hitters competing in a Regional Qualifier, we will be awarding
1 fully paid entry into the PLDA World Championships in October.
* You MUST have a PLDA Membership to compete in Regional Events *
(B) TOUR EVENTS
In conjunction with Regional Qualifiers around the country, the PLDA will be hosting Tour Events for all Divisions. These are open events to all PLDA Members in which they can compete against other members for cash and prizes. Game formats may vary depending on total entries received. 100% of entry fees are ALWAYS paid out in the purse.
LOCAL QUALIFIERS
PLDA is expanding Local Qualifying in 2022.
The PLDA will be hosting at least 4 rounds of Local Qualifiers during each of our Regional Qualifier and Tour event weekends.
(click here for the 2022 Schedule for the full PLDA schedule)
In addition to the PLDA hosting Local Qualifiers, Site Hosts can now host their own Local Qualifier events anywhere in the country. Through profit sharing, the site host can use the event as a fund raiser or revenue source. Anyone interested in hosting a Local Qualifier can request an information packet by emailing info@prolongdrivers.com with "Site Host Request" in the subject line.
Click HERE for a list of Hosted Local Qualifiers being setup around the country in addition to Local Qualifiers being held during all PLDA Event weekends. Check back often as this list will be updated as new hosts sign up to host events near you.
NEW IN 2022: The PLDA recognizes that not everyone will have access to a Local Qualifier. If you cannot find a Local Qualifier near you, the PLDA is offering a "buy-pass" option for $200 to earn the right to enter a Regional Qualifier. Membership Fees and Regional Qualifier Entry Fees will still apply as if you had won a Local Qualifier.
Local Qualifiers are open to anyone wishing to compete. However, you must be a PLDA member to enter Regional, World and Tour events.
Local Qualifiers are typically $50 per attempt = 6 balls
For every 7 paid attempts, 1 Regional Entry will be awarded
REGIONAL QUALIFIERS
PLDA Regional Qualifiers will be held around
the United States and Canada throughout 2022.
Winners of Local Qualifiers earn the right to enter these exclusive events.
You must be a PLDA Member and have qualified in a Local Event in order to enter Regional Qualifiers.
NEW IN 2022: The PLDA recognizes that not everyone will have access to a Local Qualifier. If you cannot find a Local Qualifier near you, the PLDA is offering a "buy-pass" option for $200 to earn the right to enter a Regional Qualifier. Membership Fees and Regional Qualifier Entry Fees will still apply as if you had won a Local Qualifier.
Regional Qualifiers cost $250 to enter.
For every 10 hitters, 1 fully paid entry will be awarded into the
PLDA World Championships in Mesquite, Nevada in October 2022.
TOUR EVENTS
The PLDA will be hosting Tour Events during each event weekend where hitters will be competing for cash and prizes. These highly popular events draw competitors of all levels to the grid to compete head-to-head in Long Drive competition. These events are open to all competitors who meet the Division membership criteria and are current members of the PLDA.
We are also bringing back the performance bonuses for Longest Drive, Most Balls in the Grid and Best Set.
Everyone has a chance to win something!
Click HERE for the 2022 Schedule
You must be a PLDA Member to compete.
100% of Entry Fees are always paid out in the prize purse.
2022 Entry Fees:
Amateur $200
Senior $400
Ladies $400
Open $600
* Amateurs are paid according to USGA Amateur Rules *
PLDA Divisons
ELIGIBILITY
The Professional Long Drive Association (“PLDA”) operates or sanctions long drive competitions throughout the world, including, but not limited to, Professional Long Drive Qualifying Series events, PLDA Tour events and the PLDA World Championship. All competitions are open to anyone who meets the criteria set forth herein. Depending on participation levels, the PLDA may divide Hitters into different Divisions. PLDA’s current Divisions for 2022 include:
OPEN
Min Drive: 280 yds
LADIES
Women 18+
Min Drive: 240 yds
SENIORS
Men 45+
Min Drive: 260 yds
SENIORS+
Men 55+
Min Drive: 260 yds