Longest Drivers to Play Longest Golf Course on Longest Day to Raise Money for Autism

Former National Long Drive champions Art Sellinger and Brian Pavlet will have a longer day than most on June 20. The pair will be playing the The Pines course at The International in Bolton, Mass., the world's longest golf course at 8,325 yards, from sunrise to sunset on one of the longest days of the year.

The event is being conducted to raise funds for the Autism Society of America, in the memory of Mr. Dan Weadock, the owner of The International who tragically passed away following an automobile accident last July.

"I first met Dan in 2001 when he sought me out at a major golf event and was so proud talking about The International, and The Pines course in particular stretching to 8,325 yards from the 'Tiger Tees,’ " said Sellinger. "He was a huge fan of the LDA (Long Drivers of America) and the sport of long drive, and invited the entire Pinnacle Distance Team to play The Pines course before our Pinnacle Distance Challenge at The International in 2003 to see how the course would test some of the longest drivers in the world. I thought this would be a great way to keep his memory alive and to raise money for a worthy cause."

Sellinger and Pavlet will launch their first tee balls at morning's first light on June 20, which according to the Old Farmer's Almanac is 5:09 a.m. in Bolton. They will play until the sun officially sets at 8:27 p.m., 15 hours and 18 minutes later. The twosome will have to complete six 18-hole rounds in an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes each to attain their goals of 50,000 yards for the day and $50,000 for charity. All USGA Rules of Golf will be in effect.

Among the more than 28 miles of golf course that Sellinger and Pavlet will cover if successful are three par-3 holes of more than 250 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. The signature hole of the The Pines, however, is the 5th, a 715-yard par-6 that will be set up to play nearly 750 yards with the pin placed at the rear of the 100-yard long green.

"The course is a monster and I will be going at it hard the entire day," said Pavlet. "Dan had one speed and that was overdrive. I'll be thinking of him as I try to take on this challenge. Playing this course once from the 'Tiger Tees' is both a physical and mental grind, but trying to play it six times in just over 15 hours will require a combination of strength, stamina and execution. Even though we will be using carts, this is basically going to feel like we're running a marathon while playing golf."

Dan Weadock, Jr. expressed his appreciation of Sellinger and Pavlet's efforts. "Our family and entire membership is deeply touched by the wonderful and amazing feat that Art and Brian will accomplish in honor of my father,” he said. “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. We treasure the close relationship we have with the entire Pinnacle Distance Team and the LDA and look forward to witnessing Art and Brian's feat."

"The Autism Society of America would like to thank Art Sellinger and Brian Pavlet for their generosity and willingness to stay the course for the autism community," said ASA President & CEO Lee Grossman. "Art and his wife, Chelly, are long-time ASA advocates. We are grateful for their continued support."

Donations are being accepted through the Autism Society of America website at www.autism-society.org, the Long Drivers of America at www.longdrivers.com or by calling 888/233-4654. Sellinger and Pavlet have set a goal of playing 108 holes for the day. To learn more about The International, visit www.theinternational.com.    

About the Participants

Art Sellinger

Two-Time National Long Drive Champion
Owner, Long Drivers of America/Art of Long Driving, Inc.
LDA Hall of Fame Member
Pinnacle Staff member since 2001
Clubhead Speed: 130/Ball Speed: 185
Handicap: Plus-2
Home Course: The Vaquero Club (Westlake,TX)

Brian Pavlet

1993 National Long Drive Champion
Three LDA Tour Wins
2003 LDA Tour Player of the Year
Nine Top 6 finishes at the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship
Pinnacle Staff member since 1998
Clubhead Speed: 150/Ball Speed: 215
Handicap: 3
Home Course: The Raven (Phoenix, AZ)