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2017 PGA Championship Long Drive Competition: Everything you need to know
Anticipation is high once again for the annual long drive competition at the PGA Championship, a contest with a storied history and plenty of memorable moments. Here's everything you need to know:
When is it?
The long drive competition is held on the Tuesday of PGA Championship week, the busiest day for practice rounds in preparation for the tournament. The contest is from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where is it?
This year's contest is being held on Quail Hollow's 10th hole, a 592-yard par 5 that plays as is the longest and most arduous of the par 5s. For an eagle opportunity during the tournament, players must overcome a bunker on the left with a 300-yard drive and then tackle a formidable second shot. It is likely that most players will lay-up short of the green for a short wedge shot that should keep the ball below the hole. However, it sets up for the big hitters to put up some big distances during this long drive competition.
Here's a fly-over of the hole:
How can I watch it?
PGA.com will be live on the first tee from the opening shot at 7 a.m. until the final drive is struck around 4 p.m. We'll provide exclusive video, photos, and commentary.
When did this competition start?
The first PGA Championship Long Drive Competition was held in 1952 at Big Spring Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
The most notable winner was Jack Nicklaus, who won in both competitions he competed in, in 1963 and 1964. Using a persimmon driver, Nicklaus belted a drive of 341 yards to win the first year and 308 yards in the rain for his second title. Famously, Nicklaus was awarded a gold money clip for his 1963 victory, which he has used for over 50 years. He talked about his excitement to PGA.com in 2014.
"I thought it was exciting. I thought it was fun to do," Nicklaus said. "You would go out, warm up, you played your last practice round. It was a great gallery favorite. The people came out and they watched it. You went out and saw big, long drives, things you probably wouldn't do in the tournament. I think it created some excitement."