After existing as a pro sport for nearly a century, many fans wonder what are the longest golf drives ever. Although it is a game known for its finer nuances and technique, there are times when powerful drives and bad luck merge to create some historic moments.
With that in mind, here are the five individuals who blended sports and comedy to create the world’s longest golf drive records.
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5. Davis Love III – 476 yards at the 2004 Mercedes Championship
Two of the longest drives actually happened on the same course and are separated by just two years. While one came from a player known for their power stroke, No. 5 on our list comes from PGA Tour great Davis Love III.
In Love III’s moment of history, he got the benefit of a downhill section of a steeply cambered fairway on the final hole in Round 4 of the Mercedes Championship in 2004. By the time it stopped rolling, he had a drive that went 476 yards.
4. Dustin Johnson – 489 yards at the 2018 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play
Dustin Johnson is the Mark McGwire of today’s current PGA tour when it comes to the longest golf ball shots. And he outdid himself in 2018 at an untelevised event in Texas when he unfurled a 489-yard drive that landed him on this unfortunate list.
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Johnson won none of his matches during a forgettable run in the tournament, but he left setting a course record and added another layer to his reputation as the big bopper of PGA tour driving distance in the modern era.
3. Tiger Woods – 498 yards at the 2002 Mercedes Championship
Even legends of the game have had moments of powerful drives gone awry. And many fans wonder what is Tiger Woods’ longest drive. The PGA Tour icon landed on this list via one memorable stroke at the 2002 Mercedes Championship. When he unloaded with a 498-yard drive that careened off the green.
The Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii has long been known as a place where drives can go to die. Especially with an assist from the winds of the Pacific. Woods had a taste of the frown-inducing powers of The Plantation 20 years ago.
2. Mike Austin – 515 yards at the 1974 National Seniors Open Championship
Mike Austin should be called “Mike Awesome” since his 1974 strike is recognized by Guinness as the official world record holder for a golf drive. And the historic shot had several unique elements to it. Firstly, the absurd 515-yard drive at the National Seniors Open Championship was made by a 64-year-old man with a wood driver. The old fella also had the aid of a 27 MPH wind at his back.
What adds a real level of hilarity to the record-setting shot, is that the hole was 455 yards away. This means the virile senior tour member missed his mark by 60 yards. He may not have been the winner of the championship that year, but he scored with fans who dig the long ball.
1. Carl Cooper – 787 yards at the 1992 Texas Open (Unofficial)
Carl Cooper had a disastrous start to the third hole of the 1992 Texas Open, however, the horrible day did land him in the history books. His blast towards the green bounced past the green, beyond the sixth tee, and eventually came to a stop behind the twelfth green. After the ball finally came to a halt, it set the record for the longest drive at 787 yards.
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Although the final number is disputed by golf historians, Cooper is still considered the man who hit the longest golf drive in the sport’s lore. For a player who never logged a top-10 finish in his career, at least he will forever be remembered for his epic fail 30 years ago.
What was John Daly’s longest drive?
John Daly is a beloved player not just for his unique clothing style and smoking but his ability to smash a golf ball. At his best, he could consistently drive a ball nearly 300 yards. However, he actually once hit a drive that was over 800 yards. But it did not come during an event or even on a golf course.
How far can Rory McIlroy drive?
Rory McIlroy is one of the most famous golfers on the planet right now. There is little he can’t do well on a golf course, including delivering some strong drives off the tee. While he doesn’t have any drives that land him in the record books, the Irishman’s longest drive was 423 yards.
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How far can Jon Rahm drive?
Spaniard Jon Rahm is, arguably, the best player today. That is why the US Open and Masters winner allegedly landed a $500 million contract to bring his talents to LIV Golf in 2023. During his impressive career, the European superstar has often smashed drives longer than 400 yards. His best ever came at the 2022 PGA Championship and went 418 yards.
How far does Scottie Scheffler drive?
Scottie Scheffler is the top player on our World Golf Rankings heading into the new season and with good reason. The 2024 Open and PGA Championship winner is a special talent and he can also drive the ball when he has to. Last season, his best drive topped out at 429 yards.
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