Caira Sharp always knew she could hit hard on the golf course, but it wasn't until she started entering competitions in Alberta, that she realized how far this skill could take her.
On Aug. 17 she entered a long drive competition in Leduc, AB and hit the ball far enough to become the ALD Canadian Champion in her 45+ age division, opening up a spot for her to compete at the World Long Drive in South Carolina later this month.
"I was bouncing off the walls. I was super surprised and very excited," she said. "I've only golfed for three years and took it up because my husband loved it. The fact that I get to try it in a world stadium is pretty amazing."
Sharp shot six balls in two minutes in Leduc on a 40 yard grid. She played with a lucky set of clubs given to her 20 years ago by her father-in-law, and her husband and aunt came out to cheer her on.
The course was challenging, as she had to shoot off a claw-style tee she had never used before, but she persevered and ended up with a score of 310.4.
Now she's moving up to compete in the amateur division at worlds in South Carolina, running Sept. 24 to 28. She'll be shooting on Sept. 26 and the game will be broadcast on TV.
"I think it'll be amazing. The people I get to meet will be unreal. I get to meet all these people from around the world who love to do what I like to do," she said.
Three-time long drive world champion pro Kelly Rudney will be her teammate on Team Canada. Pros and amateurs compete separately, but Sharp has a chance at turning pro if she does well, which would allow her to enter tournaments at the international level.
Sharp has always had a strong swing, so she naturally gravitated towards long drive over other kinds of golf.
"I was told by my friend's husband that I hit like a man and I should really try out for something. I was at the Fernie golf course and I overdrove and almost hit the clubhouse. That's kind of how it all started," she recalled.
The Crowsnest Pass Golf Club in Eastern B.C will be hosting a nine-hole mixed scramble on Sept. 21 to raise money for Sharp's trip to the U.S. Golf starts at 4 p.m, followed by a dinner and dance at 6 p.m. Tickets are $150 for the whole evening or $50 for the dinner and dance. Guests will be able to bring their campers and set up in the parking lot if they would like to sleep over.
Sharp is a regular golfer at the Crowsnest club at ladies night on Thursday, and it's her favourite course in the area.
"Hopefully a bunch of people come out and golf and drink and be merry," said Sharp.
To reserve a place at the event, call 403-562-2776.
