Long Drivers Raise More Than $50,000 for Autism at World's Longest Course

Former National Long Drive champions Art Sellinger and Brian Pavlet went longer than usual on June 20 when they completed 126 holes of golf on the world's longest course, The Pines at The International in Bolton, Mass.

Sellinger and Pavlet played the par-73 course at 8,390 yards seven times, or the equivalent of 33.3 miles (58,730 yards) of golf from sunrise to sunset on one of the longest days of the year, raising more than $50,000 for the Autism Society of America.

The event was conducted in memory of Dan Weadock, owner of The International who passed away following an automobile accident last July. Mr. Weadock would have been 67 years old today.

Pavlet launched the first tee ball at 5:09 a.m. and drained the last putt at 8:27 p.m., 15 hours and 18 minutes later. The twosome combined for 1,181 strokes on a course that features two par-3 holes of more than 275 yards each, three par-4 holes of more than 530 yards and two par-5s of more than 650 yards, including the closing 656-yard 18th from the "Tiger Tees."

The signature hole of the The Pines, however, is the 715-yard, par-6 5th that played to 750 yards with the pin placed at the rear of the 100-yard long green. Sellinger shot a 76 in the seventh and final round of the day, three strokes shy of the course record and 15 strokes better than his first-round score.

Sellinger presented an oversized check for $50,000 to ASA President & CEO Lee Grossman following the final round.

"This effort was for every child that is diagnosed with autism," said Sellinger. "The strides that the ASA has made for children like my own have been phenomenal, and this is the best way I know how to give back and provide support for an organization that has been so helpful to so many."

"This was just an incredible effort by Art and Brian and it is impossible to thank them enough," said ASA President & CEO Lee Grossman. "The way this event came together is just overwhelming. Art and his wife, Chelly, are long-time ASA advocates and we are grateful for their continued support. I am also deeply grateful to the effort and hospitality that the incredible people at The International have extended on the behalf of the autism community."

Dan Weadock, Jr. expressed his appreciation of Sellinger and Pavlet's efforts by stating, "Our family and entire membership of The International is deeply touched by the wonderful and amazing feat that Art and Brian accomplished in honor of my father. To have these gentlemen also raise funds for such an important charity, the Autism Society of America, is a fine example of the great character of both men."

The feat is being reviewed by The Guinness Book of World Records for cumulative yards over a specific period of time.

Donations are still being accepted through the Autism Society of America website at www.autism-society.org and the Long Drivers of America at www.longdrivers.com or by telephone (888/233-4654). To learn more about The International, visit www.theinternational.com.