A decade later, a new type of long driver was emerging and, in 1974, the sport of long drive created a National Long Drive championship dedicated to world’s biggest hitters. Jack Nicklaus ( the Golden Bear) won the PGA event at Dallas Athletic Club in 1963 and repeated his win in 1964 in front of his hometown crowd at Columbus Country Club. Although not played ever year, the PGA Championship Long Drive Competition quickly became a fan favorite as the game’s elite golfers “gripped it” and “ripped it” on a designated hole during actual tournament play. As far back as 1949, long drive events were conducted in conjunction with the PGA Championship.
