May 12, 2008

Brent Kirstein of Wayland Baptist (Texas) won the long drive competition held during Monday's practice round at the 57th Annual Men's Golf National Championships at Indiana National Golf Club in Plymouth, Indiana.

Kirstein, a senior from Capetown, South Africa finished second in the long drive competition a year ago but was not to be denied after launching a 294 yard drive on the narrow 4th hole at Indiana National in blustery conditions. The drive was all carry as there was no roll on the rain-softened fairway after showers most of the day on Sunday.

Alex Coughlin of Tennessee Wesleyan was the runner up with a 290 yard drive while Anthony Michael of Oklahoma City and Jarod Trammell of Berry (Ga.) tied for third with shots of 285 yards. Adam Arnett of Ohio Dominican and Tyler Nelson of Lee (Tenn.) rounded out the top five with drives of 283 yards.

The Championship proper will get underway tomorrow with tee times beginning at 8:00 a.m. Oklahoma City University are the defending champions and tee off starting at 8:45 a.m. while top-ranked Oklahoma Christian will tee off in the opening group at 8:00 a.m.