Yachties to take the Audi Longest Drive Challenge
Published : 26/08/2009 |
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The Audi Drive Challenge to test sailors’ driving skills is over and now yachties at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week have a challenge of a different type to face tomorrow – golf is the name of the game at the Audi Longest Drive Challenge – and some of the biggest names in our sport have confided they spent yesterday’s Lay Day practicing their golf shots at the Oatley family’s brand new 18 hole golf course on Dent Island in anticipation.
The winner will receive the use of an Audi vehicle for a week, a weekend in Sydney or Melbourne with the use of an Audi vehicle, dinner for two at ARIA in Sydney or Vue de monde in Melbourne, accommodation for one night at the Park Hyatt and an Audi Sailing Sport polo and cap. There are second and third prizes too.
Ask any yachtie what their second choice of sport is and most will tell you golf. Seen on the course yesterday were some of Loki’s top crew; international yachtsman Gordon Maguire, Olympian and world champion coach Andrew Palfrey and helmsman and world champion sailor Cameron Miles, all practicing for the big day.
Evolution Racing’s long term tactician, Steve McConaghy, a keen golfer, was also there. Evolution Racing, owned by Ray Roberts, is the current leader of IRC grand prix division 1 and McConaghy is hoping his golf skill matches his racing prowess tomorrow.
“I’m keen – I’m going for Gold. I think almost everyone sailing here is aiming to enter for the competition tomorrow. I played 18 holes yesterday. It’s really good playing on a new course. It’s one of the best courses I’ve played on in the world; I’ve never played on a course with a million dollar view, and believe you me, I’ve played on a few,” he said.
McConaghy was not only enthusiastic about the course, but also its position on Dent Island: “The scenery is to die for – you have crystal clear views of beautiful blue water and yesterday we saw whales playing in the ocean – you get a great view from every angle – it’s magic.
The Sydney sailor had a few tips to share too. “They’ve got brand new Callaway clubs, which are awesome to play with. The course is quite hilly with valleys and water everywhere, so you have to be good on precision. I lost 10 balls yesterday and found eight!
The Audi Longest Drive Challenge will be played from the 10th fairway and as they Challenge says, the drive judged the longest will win.
There’s also the Crown Lager Hole in One Challenge to whet the appetite – the toughest challenge of the day. Competitors will have to drive a golf ball into a Crown Lager basket floating in the middle of Dent Island dam and the winner/s will receive a share in a $2,000 prize pool.
If putting is your forte, then the Crown Lager Putt Putt is the way to go. This is a team challenge for six players each – so if you are not winning on the water, this may be the way for some redemption.
Finally, there is the Henri Lloyd Grinder Challenge. This challenge requires fitness and stamina. Competitors will find themselves on the end of a Harken grinder and the best effort of the day in the Male and Female categories will take home some Henri Lloyd clothing, one of the biggest names in sailing sport and leisure wear. |
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