Taking their best swing

In golf, the long drive scene is big ? ESPN big. The World Finals, held by the American Long Drive Assn., are held annually on the sports network.

But for three local golfers representing an emerging culture, it’s not nearly enough.

Kyle Wilson, David Wallace and Brad Booth make up the Long Drive Golf Assn., and they’re weeks away from kicking off their inaugural tour, in which they will give a little relief to those long drivers who are itching to compete.

The tour’s March 25 debut at Costa Mesa Golf & Country Club will feature up to 64 long drivers ages 18-and-over, who will be divided into groups of eight in a double-elimination contest. The top eight winners take their share of the $15,000 purse.

The new group’s agenda is simple: Become the only existing association with monthly events, build a fan base and, in turn, recognition for the sport.

“There’s a big hole out there that needed some filling,” said Wallace, who ran several Buick Scramble competitions. “There’s a pool of talent out there, and the tours are there, but they’re not consistent, they’re sporadic.”

So the three golfers combined their expertise to mix 300- to 400-foot drives, the nation’s actively involved long drivers and prize money ? all for a chance to spark a trend in avid long drivers and fans.

Wilson, who has been a long driver for four years, is the sport’s specialist ? having won the first competition he ever entered. An assistant professional at Costa Mesa Golf & Country Club, he reached the World Finals after his second attempt.

Wallace, a member of Costa Mesa’s men’s club, is the business developer ? the one who put together the extensive 20-page business plan, complete with mission statement and key demographic information.

Booth, the head professional at the Costa Mesa Golf and Country Club, used his connections to arrange for the inaugural event to be held in their backyard, allowing easy access for Southern Californians.

Not that distance is stopping those athletes who crave consistency.

So far, press releases and e-mails have attracted golfers from the East Coast, and even Great Britain.

“When [the American Long Drive Assn.] stopped having those monthly competitions, guys were disappointed,” said Wilson, president of the Long Drive Golf Assn. “Being a competitor, you hear the talk of what’s going around.”

So a year ago, they hatched the idea that they hope will continue developing over time. As the association grows, competitors will be divided into classes such as women, senior women, senior and senior plus.

Booth, Wallace and Wilson also hope to add competitions within competitions, such as awarding the player with the longest drive of the day a prize, regardless of their finish.

They also foresee adding a players’ council to incorporate feedback, and aligning the tour with a charity.

Wilson said the association hopes to do some kind of drive for a cure, “so the sport could grow and we could do a good thing for those who need it.

“The sport is getting more popular,” he said. “We’re getting tons of feedback from guys. They’re glad it’s starting up and they hope it continues.”dpt.02-longdrivers-CPhotoInfoT81OH49I20060302ivh6mtknDON LEACH / DAILY PILOTKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)David Wallace, Kyle Wilson and Brad Booth are the brain trust behind the Long Drive Golf Assn., which will hold its first event March 25 in Costa Mesa.Kyle Wilson, one of the founders of the Long Drive Golf Assn., participated in last year’s World Long Drive Championship.dpt.02-kylewilson-CPhotoInfoT81OH59G20060302id2m3ekfDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)David Wallace, Kyle Wilson and Brad Booth are the brain trust behind the Long Drive Golf Assn., which will hold its first event March 25 in Costa Mesa.