Age: 29
Height: 6’9″
Weight: 320
Driver Specs:
49.5 inches (the way the LDA measures), 6.5 degree
Sponsors:
Krank golf, Hirzl golf gloves
Special Accomplishments:
- 3rd place RE/MAX World Long Drive Championships in 2009
- Winner of The Heartland Shootout in 2012, an LDA tour event
- 6 time RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship finalist
- I have competed every year since 2009
What is your longest drive in competition?
475 yards at the Soderby International event in Sweden in 2010
What were the conditions of the drive?
Conditions were perfect for hitting bombs that day. Down wind conditions and semi hard ground. The drive flew about 405 yards and rolled out the 475.
What are the fastest swing speeds you’ve recorded on a Swing Speed Radar and/or Trackman?
145 club head speed. 215 ball speed.
What lead you to choose your particular equipment specifications?
When I finished 3rd in the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championships in 2009 I was using Ping equipment, then switched to Alpha in the finals. After finishing 3rd, Alpha really did not want to do anything for me. So my buddy gave my information to Lance Reader, president of Krank Golf, and I talked to him about switching to Krank. I have been hitting Krank ever since. The best decision I have made as far as equipment. I love the Krank Formula 5 driver. The longest driver on earth in my opinion and they have the Formula 6 coming out and it is supposed to be even better than the Formula 5 if you can believe that.
Do you favor a particular shot shape to hit it long?
When I hit a ball really well, it normally goes really straight but a high draw in my opinion will go the furthest, which is what I have been working on.
Do you use any training aids to work on your speed and power?
I do not have any special training that I use but I am in the gym almost everyday working on core and cardio. Increasing my flexibility and strength is my main focus right now. I do certain exercises that focus on the core. Also, my buddy Brit Miller, who played in the NFL for the 49ers and the Rams, has been training me and showing me what is right and wrong in the weight room. He has been a big help along with his supplement company called Usana, which has kept my body healthy and clean.
Do you do any other types of training to drive it further?
I focus on staying behind the ball and releasing the hands sooner than normal to help out with the draw I am looking for. Also, I focus on driving the hips and lower body through the ball. My dad is recently a retired golf pro at a club in Decatur, Illinois. He taught me how to play golf and continues to help me and give me lessons whenever I need them. He has been a big help my entire life.
Is there any particular bit of advice you would give the regular amateur for him or her to hit the ball longer?
Just what I said above and practice a lot but practice the right things. Club head speed is very important but if you are swinging wrong and unbalanced, club…
Read the rest of what Mick has to say about the Long Drive in the April 2015 Monthly Handicap Improver here:
https://www.swingmangolf.com/register.php