As the sport of long drive continues to capture imaginations worldwide, Ultimate Long Drive (ULD) is heading into 2026 positioned for one of the most significant growth phases in our history. Since our founding in 2017 (originally as Amateur Long Drive), we’ve built the world’s largest long drive organization by membership, annual events, and global reach—prioritizing accessibility for athletes of all ages and abilities, sustainable opportunities for league operators and venues, and authentic community-driven competition.
While Some Scale Back, Long Drive Participation Hits Historic Highs
While some organizations scale back their operations and lean on legacy branding paired with diminished and increasingly irrelevant broadcast deals, more people are actively playing and competing in long drive golf now than at any point in its history. This surge aligns with golf’s broader boom: The National Golf Foundation reports over 500 million rounds played at U.S. courses in 2025 (a record for the fourth time in five years), and the USGA notes a record 82 million posted scores from 3.68 million golfers with a Handicap Index—up significantly year-over-year, with continued growth in 9-hole and off-course formats. These trends reflect rising interest in accessible, inclusive golf activities, and ULD has led this charge by focusing on what truly scales the sport: hundreds of grassroots league events, inclusive divisions (including adaptive and military categories), innovative formats, and explosive digital reach that connects directly with fans.
Our 2025 World Championship alone delivered over 750,000 views on WingDing MEDIA™, part of a broader content ecosystem tracking millions of engagements annually across apps, Roku, Fire TV, and more. This isn’t niche broadcast TV numbers—it’s real, live and on-demand viewing by a passionate global audience, proving that community-first storytelling and high-energy action resonate far beyond traditional broadcasts.
2026: A New Era of Expansion and Innovation
Heading into the new season, ULD is accelerating on multiple fronts with strategic, sustainable growth.
Global and Domestic Growth
New licensed territories across the United States, plus exciting international expansions into markets like India (via our partnership with TeeTime Ventures) and Puerto Rico. We’re sanctioning events in Canada, Japan, Europe, Mexico, South Africa, Latin & South America, and beyond—building pathways for athletes everywhere to compete at the highest levels.
Launch of the Xtreme Long Drive® (XLD) Team Series
This fast-paced, team-based format is designed specifically for indoor venues, simulator facilities, performance centers, and destination events. The 2026 season serves as a strategic soft opening, with licensing now open for aligned partners to establish standards and pathways. The first confirmed pre-season Open Division event is set for July 17, 2026, at Sea Trail Resort in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, as part of the 29th annual Family Golf Week. Additional stops are in development for locations including Nevada, Florida, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Kansas, New York, Texas, and more—creating high-energy, close-quarters competition that attracts new operators, athletes, and spectators. Applications for the 2026 XLD Draft are open.
Championship Calendar Highlights
The USA Open National Championship returns to Sea Trail Resort in August 2026, while the World Championship takes center stage at Wood Ridge Farm in Lovingston, Virginia—a venue respected for its championship atmosphere. Florida is already shaping up for its largest long drive schedule to date, with leagues and majors delivering record participation.
Athlete and Operator Focus
We’re investing in technology partnerships (like GolfJoy and Inrange) to elevate performance and accessibility, while continuing to support league operators and athletes through inclusive divisions and competitive pathways.
This isn’t about projecting size through names or legacy media—it’s about delivering sustainable growth, real opportunities, and unmatched engagement. Our model has proven resilient and inclusive, turning long drive into a thriving, family-oriented sport rather than a fleeting spectacle for a few elite players.
To every league operator, athlete, sponsor, and fan who’s been part of this journey: thank you. 2026 is our breakout year—join us as we continue building the future of long drive together. Stay tuned for event registrations, licensing details, and more announcements. The longest hits are yet to come.
— Jeff Gilder, Founder & CEO, Ultimate Long Drive