how to compete
ANYONE CAN COMPETE IN LONG DRIVE
There are 2 areas in which anyone can compete in the sport of Long Drive.
(1) ANNUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
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 attempts, we will be awarding one entry into any Regional Qualifier around the country. You can only earn one Regional entry per Local Qualifier, however, you may compete in as many Local Qualifiers as you like if you wish to attempt earning entry into more than one Regional Qualifier. 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 Regional event 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 7 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 *
(2) 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.
Stay tuned as details are finalized and posted here.
Local Qualifiers are open to anyone wishing to compete.
You must be a PLDA member to enter Regional, World or Tour events.
Local Qualifiers are typically $40 per attempt = 6 balls
For every 7 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.
Regional Qualifiers cost $250 to enter.
For every 7 hitters, 1 World Championship entry will be awarded to the
PLDA World Championships in Mesquite, Nevada.
TOUR EVENTS
PLDA Tour Events will be held in conjunction with Regional Qualifiers
across the United States and Canada throughout 2022. See the events page for a complete 2022 schedule of events and locations.
You must be a PLDA Member to compete.
Entry Fees are 100% paid out in the prize purse.
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