Florida’s Fastest-Growing Golf Competition: Ultimate Long Drive (ULD)

by | Sep 23, 2025

Golf is renowned for its customs, perseverance, and accuracy—but a brand-new excitement that revolves around strength, speed, and distance is sweeping the Emerald Coast fairways of Florida. The ultimate test of who can hit a golf ball the furthest is here: Ultimate Long Drive.

If you’ve ever experienced the excitement of a flawless drive or marveled at the longest drive in golf history, this is the sport you’ve been waiting for.

There’s something for everyone in the long drive scene—whether you’re an amateur, weekend warrior, or professional. These action-packed competitions determine who can swing the golf club fastest and send the ball furthest. And Florida is the perfect place to see it live—or even step inside the tee box yourself.

Long Drive Golf: What Is It?

The sole goal of competitive long drive golf is distance. Players must hit the ball as far as they can within a predetermined grid and a set number of attempts—typically at least two sets of six swings per round.

  • Distance matters most, but accuracy still counts.

  • Athletes train constantly to improve swing speed, ball speed, and total yardage.

  • Unlike traditional golf tournaments, long drive events are fast-paced and often last only two hours. Every swing could change the leaderboard or set a personal best.

The Florida Panhandle Tour

The Florida–Emerald Coast Ultimate Long Drive League hosts events across some of Florida’s most golf-loving regions.

In 2025, long-distance golf competitions will take place in:

  • Pensacola

  • Gulf Breeze

  • Navarre

  • Fort Walton Beach

  • Niceville

  • Crestview

  • Destin

  • Miramar Beach

  • Santa Rosa Beach

  • 30A to Panama City Beach

These areas are not only beautiful—they’re home to vibrant golf communities and an increasing passion for long drive. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the events promise excitement both on and off the tee box.

Who Can Compete?

Short answer: Anyone!

Ultimate Long Drive offers divisions for:

  • Boys and Girls

  • Men and Women (ages 7U through 85+)

  • Amateurs and Professionals

  • Military & First Responders (Valor Division)

  • Adaptive Athletes (playing with disabilities)

What Makes Long Drive Unique?

Long drive is not your typical golf tournament.

  • Events are exciting, quick, and loud.

  • Expect cheers, music, and energy instead of polite claps.

  • Every competition feels more like a sporting exhibition than a country club round.

How to Participate

One of the most common questions is: “How do I compete in long drive golf?”

The answer: it’s easier than you think.

  • Open registration is available for Junior, Amateur, and Professional divisions at every ULD event.

  • Most competitors begin with their regular driver—no special gear required at first.

  • Just bring:

    • Your driver (or a couple of them)

    • A golf glove

    • A fun, competitive spirit

From your first event, you’ll start learning the techniques and strategies of the sport—and you can continue to compete for life.

Community and Companionship

At its core, Ultimate Long Drive is about more than golf. It’s about family, sportsmanship, and community.

  • Whether you’re competing, volunteering, or spectating, you’ll be part of a welcoming culture.

  • The Florida Panhandle events promise excitement and camaraderie for everyone.

  • Athletes from other sports—like CrossFit, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, football, and track—are also finding a home in long drive.

With 2026 shaping up to be the largest long drive golf schedule to date, now is the time to get involved. Events are growing across Florida and the Southeast—and the movement is just getting started.