1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,427 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:12,027 Speaker 1: from Newstalk ZB. 3 00:00:12,747 --> 00:00:17,627 Speaker 2: World Long Drive Championships and the US later on this month, 4 00:00:17,747 --> 00:00:21,187 Speaker 2: they are Chris Charlton and his training partner George Wardell. 5 00:00:21,587 --> 00:00:25,427 Speaker 2: Chris Charlton is with US. Chris, congratulations on qualification. What 6 00:00:25,547 --> 00:00:28,827 Speaker 2: did you have to do to qualify for the World 7 00:00:29,067 --> 00:00:30,867 Speaker 2: Long Drive Golf Championship. 8 00:00:32,347 --> 00:00:36,627 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's so sport itself is pretty simple. Basically, stand 9 00:00:36,667 --> 00:00:40,267 Speaker 3: up there, You've got two and a half minutes. Me 10 00:00:40,347 --> 00:00:42,227 Speaker 3: and you hit against each other, so we both hit 11 00:00:42,267 --> 00:00:44,827 Speaker 3: six spores each and whoever hits the longest ball wins. 12 00:00:45,707 --> 00:00:49,387 Speaker 3: So the sport itself is pretty simple. You sort of 13 00:00:49,387 --> 00:00:51,547 Speaker 3: have to work within I guess a parameter. You can't 14 00:00:51,547 --> 00:00:54,507 Speaker 3: just hit it anywhere kind of what most users would 15 00:00:54,507 --> 00:00:56,587 Speaker 3: think is sort of a typical golf vieway is kind 16 00:00:56,627 --> 00:01:00,427 Speaker 3: of the width of the of the grid. The sport's 17 00:01:00,867 --> 00:01:04,067 Speaker 3: pretty simple in terms of getting to words. I was 18 00:01:04,227 --> 00:01:07,827 Speaker 3: fortunate enough Golf Australia had a couple of tickets to 19 00:01:07,947 --> 00:01:10,867 Speaker 3: the World Champs on offer as part of a series 20 00:01:10,867 --> 00:01:14,027 Speaker 3: that they run over summer, and I was fortunate enough 21 00:01:14,027 --> 00:01:18,707 Speaker 3: to win the Australian PGA Championship which is sort of 22 00:01:18,707 --> 00:01:23,507 Speaker 3: held in conjunction with the actual Australian PGA over in Brisbane. 23 00:01:23,587 --> 00:01:26,907 Speaker 3: So fortunate enough to win that and obviously secure ticket 24 00:01:26,947 --> 00:01:28,547 Speaker 3: to Worlds, which is super exciting. 25 00:01:28,787 --> 00:01:31,587 Speaker 2: So you talked about going head to head with another competitor. 26 00:01:31,627 --> 00:01:34,547 Speaker 2: How many rounds of that are there before the final? 27 00:01:36,467 --> 00:01:39,347 Speaker 3: So in the state it'll be it'll be about four 28 00:01:40,787 --> 00:01:43,547 Speaker 3: at four rounds as far as I know. The format, 29 00:01:43,667 --> 00:01:47,187 Speaker 3: so you run in groups of sixteen and basically you 30 00:01:47,187 --> 00:01:49,907 Speaker 3: do five rounds which is thirty four, so five sets 31 00:01:49,907 --> 00:01:52,547 Speaker 3: of six and you get a points system and then 32 00:01:52,587 --> 00:01:55,347 Speaker 3: the top eight produced through the next round, so you 33 00:01:55,347 --> 00:01:59,067 Speaker 3: do I think it's five qualifying rounds and then after 34 00:01:59,107 --> 00:02:03,187 Speaker 3: that you go into knockouts, and knockouts is typically quarterfinals, 35 00:02:03,227 --> 00:02:04,107 Speaker 3: semi final, final. 36 00:02:04,427 --> 00:02:06,987 Speaker 4: Gotcha? Is it where it lands or where it stops? 37 00:02:08,587 --> 00:02:12,827 Speaker 3: It's where it stops, so you can't actually it has 38 00:02:12,867 --> 00:02:15,267 Speaker 3: to stay in the grid the whole time. It can't 39 00:02:15,307 --> 00:02:17,227 Speaker 3: go out and back in, so there's no heading trees or 40 00:02:17,267 --> 00:02:19,027 Speaker 3: houses and popping back into the grid. 41 00:02:20,387 --> 00:02:22,147 Speaker 5: But it's where it lands and rolls. 42 00:02:22,187 --> 00:02:25,267 Speaker 3: So that's part of the sport really is every track 43 00:02:25,347 --> 00:02:27,827 Speaker 3: is different. Some tracks have you know, it's like a 44 00:02:27,907 --> 00:02:31,667 Speaker 3: runway where's hard ground and some tracks are light in 45 00:02:31,787 --> 00:02:35,147 Speaker 3: terms of the soft mard and then you've got wind 46 00:02:35,227 --> 00:02:38,387 Speaker 3: factors and there's a lot to it. But yeah, it's 47 00:02:38,387 --> 00:02:39,267 Speaker 3: where it ends up. 48 00:02:39,627 --> 00:02:41,627 Speaker 4: What is your best distance. 49 00:02:43,067 --> 00:02:46,387 Speaker 3: In the final of Australian the Australian Champs, I hit 50 00:02:46,427 --> 00:02:49,307 Speaker 3: at three hundred and eighty six meters. 51 00:02:48,827 --> 00:02:50,707 Speaker 4: Three hundred and eighty six meters. 52 00:02:52,107 --> 00:02:54,347 Speaker 5: Yeah, yeah, good. 53 00:02:53,827 --> 00:02:57,507 Speaker 2: Where would that get you theoretically if you hit that 54 00:02:57,587 --> 00:02:58,467 Speaker 2: at the World Champs? 55 00:02:58,507 --> 00:02:59,547 Speaker 4: Where would that get you? 56 00:03:01,107 --> 00:03:01,787 Speaker 5: Not very far? 57 00:03:02,227 --> 00:03:05,187 Speaker 3: Really, with a smile on my face, because it's in Denver, 58 00:03:06,347 --> 00:03:07,827 Speaker 3: which is in the middle. 59 00:03:07,587 --> 00:03:09,907 Speaker 5: Of a super high altitude. 60 00:03:10,027 --> 00:03:13,147 Speaker 3: So because the altitude is so high up there, people 61 00:03:13,147 --> 00:03:16,587 Speaker 3: are probably heading it closer to four ten four hundred 62 00:03:16,587 --> 00:03:19,067 Speaker 3: and twenty meters for about four hundred and fifty yards. 63 00:03:20,467 --> 00:03:22,107 Speaker 3: I believe last time they were up there for an 64 00:03:22,107 --> 00:03:24,427 Speaker 3: event they were trying to get close to five hundred yards. 65 00:03:24,467 --> 00:03:27,907 Speaker 5: So it is all very weather dependent. 66 00:03:28,027 --> 00:03:30,987 Speaker 3: But yeah, you'll you'll probably need something closer to the 67 00:03:31,027 --> 00:03:31,787 Speaker 3: full fifty mark. 68 00:03:31,827 --> 00:03:34,507 Speaker 2: I'd say that is incredible. So do you feel that 69 00:03:34,907 --> 00:03:37,427 Speaker 2: is something you've got in your locker? Could you hit 70 00:03:37,427 --> 00:03:37,867 Speaker 2: it that far? 71 00:03:40,067 --> 00:03:41,387 Speaker 5: I think if things go my way. 72 00:03:41,467 --> 00:03:43,987 Speaker 3: Yeah, for sure, I've been working a lot this year 73 00:03:44,067 --> 00:03:48,107 Speaker 3: on basically just raw power and speed. Obviously there's a 74 00:03:48,107 --> 00:03:51,027 Speaker 3: massive skill acquisition in terms of knowing how to fight 75 00:03:51,067 --> 00:03:53,067 Speaker 3: to it, knowing how to spin rates, all that sorte 76 00:03:53,067 --> 00:03:53,347 Speaker 3: of thing. 77 00:03:53,427 --> 00:03:55,427 Speaker 5: But one thing I've been working a lot on. 78 00:03:55,347 --> 00:03:58,347 Speaker 3: This year is my speed and making sure that if 79 00:03:58,387 --> 00:04:00,467 Speaker 3: I hit my best ball and one of the top 80 00:04:00,467 --> 00:04:03,747 Speaker 3: guys that said this ball, that we're somewhat close enough 81 00:04:03,787 --> 00:04:08,747 Speaker 3: to each other. And yeah, it's still a work in 82 00:04:08,787 --> 00:04:10,787 Speaker 3: progress to bring it all together in the next sort 83 00:04:10,827 --> 00:04:13,227 Speaker 3: of seven eight weeks, but we're getting closer and close 84 00:04:13,267 --> 00:04:16,987 Speaker 3: to bridgingnet gap, which long term is the golf incredible. 85 00:04:17,027 --> 00:04:18,387 Speaker 4: So power and speed? 86 00:04:19,067 --> 00:04:21,627 Speaker 2: Is there one that you know you talked about working 87 00:04:21,627 --> 00:04:24,707 Speaker 2: on your speed there you've clearly pinpointed that as an 88 00:04:24,747 --> 00:04:27,027 Speaker 2: area where you can get your biggest gains or are 89 00:04:27,067 --> 00:04:29,627 Speaker 2: you also still trying to get as much power as 90 00:04:29,627 --> 00:04:33,027 Speaker 2: you can? Plus there must be technique issues here too, surely. 91 00:04:33,387 --> 00:04:33,787 Speaker 5: Yeah. 92 00:04:33,867 --> 00:04:36,107 Speaker 3: Yeah, Well I came from background of golf, so there 93 00:04:36,187 --> 00:04:39,347 Speaker 3: is a massive technical issue which is learning how to 94 00:04:39,467 --> 00:04:42,787 Speaker 3: untrain my golf swing and get into a long drive swing. 95 00:04:43,787 --> 00:04:46,107 Speaker 3: In terms of areas to work on. I think it's 96 00:04:46,627 --> 00:04:49,867 Speaker 3: it's probably more of a speed element. I think definitely 97 00:04:49,907 --> 00:04:53,667 Speaker 3: strong enough than powerful enough in the gym retrospect to 98 00:04:53,707 --> 00:04:56,227 Speaker 3: compete with the long drive guys. But I think there's 99 00:04:56,307 --> 00:04:59,307 Speaker 3: an element for rets under the belt and just making 100 00:04:59,347 --> 00:05:02,187 Speaker 3: sure that my top end speed is good enough to 101 00:05:02,227 --> 00:05:05,707 Speaker 3: compete with the rest of the rest of the world. 102 00:05:07,427 --> 00:05:10,427 Speaker 3: But yeah, in terms of yeah, it's a tough sport, 103 00:05:10,507 --> 00:05:12,067 Speaker 3: it's it's one of those ones where you've got to 104 00:05:12,067 --> 00:05:14,187 Speaker 3: make sure that you're not trying to do your top 105 00:05:14,227 --> 00:05:16,427 Speaker 3: in speed at all times of all times of the year, 106 00:05:17,267 --> 00:05:18,867 Speaker 3: or else you will end. 107 00:05:18,867 --> 00:05:20,387 Speaker 5: Up sort of breaking your body a little bit. 108 00:05:20,427 --> 00:05:23,907 Speaker 3: So there's there's elements which are technical times and at 109 00:05:23,947 --> 00:05:26,227 Speaker 3: the moment sort of coming to the back end of 110 00:05:26,427 --> 00:05:29,787 Speaker 3: our winter and all the technical stuff's been done and 111 00:05:29,827 --> 00:05:31,547 Speaker 3: now to be bringing it all together and putting it 112 00:05:31,587 --> 00:05:32,827 Speaker 3: out onto the grid. 113 00:05:32,867 --> 00:05:35,667 Speaker 4: As they say, how are the crowds at these events? 114 00:05:36,987 --> 00:05:37,987 Speaker 5: They are phenomenal. 115 00:05:38,067 --> 00:05:40,587 Speaker 3: There's some events which we've been lucky to be involved with. 116 00:05:40,667 --> 00:05:44,907 Speaker 3: The OZZIEPGA was an awesome event last year they ran it. 117 00:05:45,507 --> 00:05:46,707 Speaker 3: They had fireworks on. 118 00:05:46,667 --> 00:05:47,267 Speaker 5: The first tee. 119 00:05:47,787 --> 00:05:51,547 Speaker 3: They basically as soon as the OZZIEPGA on the Saturday 120 00:05:51,587 --> 00:05:54,867 Speaker 3: afternoon had finished, they had all the crowd and moved 121 00:05:54,867 --> 00:05:57,627 Speaker 3: straight over to the first t. They had fireworks, they 122 00:05:57,627 --> 00:06:02,507 Speaker 3: had like flamethrowers. They had about probably five six hundred 123 00:06:02,547 --> 00:06:05,867 Speaker 3: people there watching and we basically ran our event at 124 00:06:05,867 --> 00:06:08,027 Speaker 3: the exact time time as they just came off. I 125 00:06:08,027 --> 00:06:09,987 Speaker 3: think it was Minulea just come off the eighteenth Green. 126 00:06:10,107 --> 00:06:11,667 Speaker 3: So they try to put on a bit of a 127 00:06:11,667 --> 00:06:13,627 Speaker 3: spectacle and have a bit of fun with it, especially. 128 00:06:13,347 --> 00:06:15,587 Speaker 5: For a lot of the corporates that are around so good. 129 00:06:15,987 --> 00:06:17,667 Speaker 4: And is there prize money involved here? 130 00:06:17,827 --> 00:06:23,307 Speaker 5: Chris? There is? I actually am not actually sure. 131 00:06:24,347 --> 00:06:27,667 Speaker 3: It's not really a big motivator, And to be honest, 132 00:06:27,707 --> 00:06:29,507 Speaker 3: I couldn't actually tell you what the prize money is 133 00:06:29,547 --> 00:06:33,547 Speaker 3: for World Champs. It's only my second time heading over 134 00:06:33,587 --> 00:06:39,347 Speaker 3: to the States for this, so I hope so I know. 135 00:06:40,067 --> 00:06:44,067 Speaker 3: I think last year is about forty grand US potentially 136 00:06:44,107 --> 00:06:46,507 Speaker 3: for first place, but I honestly could not tell that. 137 00:06:46,547 --> 00:06:48,107 Speaker 4: I actually quite like the fact you don't know. 138 00:06:48,747 --> 00:06:51,227 Speaker 2: I think that says a lot about your motivation for this, 139 00:06:51,387 --> 00:06:53,627 Speaker 2: just trying to smack it as far as you can. 140 00:06:54,307 --> 00:06:57,267 Speaker 2: What is your do you still play regular golf, and 141 00:06:57,307 --> 00:07:00,307 Speaker 2: you talked about having to adjust because obviously you know 142 00:07:00,387 --> 00:07:01,867 Speaker 2: you don't want to have it that far off every 143 00:07:02,507 --> 00:07:05,427 Speaker 2: tea that you walk onto. So do you still play 144 00:07:05,627 --> 00:07:06,987 Speaker 2: a bit of regular golf as well? 145 00:07:08,107 --> 00:07:08,707 Speaker 5: I used to. 146 00:07:08,987 --> 00:07:10,467 Speaker 3: I used to when I first started a long job. 147 00:07:10,467 --> 00:07:12,987 Speaker 3: I did, but my coach, funnily enough, has banned me. 148 00:07:13,827 --> 00:07:16,507 Speaker 3: He said it messes with my swing too much, going 149 00:07:16,547 --> 00:07:18,347 Speaker 3: from drivers to irons and all that sort of thing. 150 00:07:18,427 --> 00:07:22,307 Speaker 3: So I've taken a back chef, unfortunately from golf, and 151 00:07:22,987 --> 00:07:26,187 Speaker 3: I will get back into it. I play a fun 152 00:07:26,187 --> 00:07:29,547 Speaker 3: ambros of in every labor day. I played probably two 153 00:07:29,627 --> 00:07:32,867 Speaker 3: or three around a year, but and probably play off 154 00:07:32,867 --> 00:07:36,427 Speaker 3: for maybe a tour or three, which is largely through 155 00:07:36,547 --> 00:07:41,467 Speaker 3: the long drives and terrible puttings. So you can get 156 00:07:41,507 --> 00:07:44,067 Speaker 3: an agreement any three partners, yea at. 157 00:07:43,987 --> 00:07:45,947 Speaker 2: The part, well let's try for show putfa do Isn't 158 00:07:45,947 --> 00:07:48,787 Speaker 2: that that's the old adage? And well, obviously you're you're 159 00:07:48,867 --> 00:07:50,827 Speaker 2: driving a a. What do do they provide you with 160 00:07:50,867 --> 00:07:52,387 Speaker 2: the golf balls? Does everyone use the same kind of 161 00:07:52,387 --> 00:07:54,627 Speaker 2: golf balls? You clip obviously don't bring your own. 162 00:07:55,187 --> 00:07:56,947 Speaker 3: Yeah, so you have to use what they give you. 163 00:07:57,067 --> 00:07:59,147 Speaker 3: So that's part of I guess the preparation as. 164 00:07:59,067 --> 00:08:01,747 Speaker 5: Well is what what balls are they're using, how do 165 00:08:01,827 --> 00:08:03,987 Speaker 5: they compress? How did they fly? 166 00:08:04,267 --> 00:08:07,347 Speaker 3: Last year they used the Bridgestone ball. This year they've 167 00:08:07,427 --> 00:08:10,467 Speaker 3: gone with Pinnacle as their main sponsors to using Pinnacle balls. 168 00:08:10,507 --> 00:08:12,587 Speaker 3: So it's all part of the training is how do 169 00:08:12,627 --> 00:08:14,707 Speaker 3: I get the most out of that specific golf ball 170 00:08:14,747 --> 00:08:16,747 Speaker 3: as well, So we spend a lot of time in 171 00:08:16,787 --> 00:08:21,027 Speaker 3: simulators looking at numbers, spin rates, especially for different types 172 00:08:21,067 --> 00:08:23,387 Speaker 3: of golf balls. So there only think Consonant is obviously 173 00:08:23,387 --> 00:08:26,147 Speaker 3: what we use in terms of the gear, but then 174 00:08:26,187 --> 00:08:29,187 Speaker 3: in terms of the balls and stuff, they provide them more, 175 00:08:29,187 --> 00:08:31,147 Speaker 3: which is good because you end up losing most of 176 00:08:31,187 --> 00:08:31,627 Speaker 3: them anyway. 177 00:08:32,147 --> 00:08:34,667 Speaker 2: I can imagine, hey mate, this is just awesome. I'm 178 00:08:34,707 --> 00:08:36,507 Speaker 2: just so pleased we've had the chance to chat about this. 179 00:08:36,867 --> 00:08:38,867 Speaker 2: So what your head off what middle of September, get 180 00:08:38,867 --> 00:08:40,907 Speaker 2: yourself acclimatized, and then get into it. 181 00:08:40,907 --> 00:08:41,987 Speaker 4: On about the twenty fifth I. 182 00:08:41,907 --> 00:08:45,267 Speaker 3: Think, yeah, unfortunately, we'd like to be more time over there, 183 00:08:45,307 --> 00:08:47,587 Speaker 3: but we head over about five I think four or 184 00:08:47,587 --> 00:08:51,187 Speaker 3: five days before get acclimatized, spend a week over there, 185 00:08:51,187 --> 00:08:54,027 Speaker 3: which would be really good, and then our season kicks off, 186 00:08:54,067 --> 00:08:56,107 Speaker 3: so we've got a fair bit of travel end of 187 00:08:56,107 --> 00:08:59,267 Speaker 3: the year, China in Australia and stuff, which is cool. 188 00:08:59,267 --> 00:09:02,627 Speaker 3: So it's exciting time a year to be doing a 189 00:09:02,627 --> 00:09:04,627 Speaker 3: bit of long driving getting now and traveling the world 190 00:09:04,667 --> 00:09:05,507 Speaker 3: as well, which is always a. 191 00:09:05,467 --> 00:09:06,987 Speaker 4: Bit of fun your season. 192 00:09:06,987 --> 00:09:08,867 Speaker 2: There's a circuit for this as well, so this World 193 00:09:08,907 --> 00:09:11,227 Speaker 2: Champs is just one of the things you're involved in. 194 00:09:11,907 --> 00:09:12,507 Speaker 5: Yeah. Yeah. 195 00:09:12,507 --> 00:09:15,587 Speaker 3: There's an American circuit which is the World Long Drive Circuit. 196 00:09:15,947 --> 00:09:19,027 Speaker 3: There is also a New Zealand circuit which XDL and 197 00:09:19,067 --> 00:09:21,547 Speaker 3: New Zealand run, which is really cool. We're lucky to 198 00:09:21,587 --> 00:09:23,867 Speaker 3: have i guess, sort of five or six events here, 199 00:09:23,907 --> 00:09:28,707 Speaker 3: and then the Australian circuit. There's an Asian circuit, so 200 00:09:28,747 --> 00:09:29,507 Speaker 3: it's kind of what. 201 00:09:29,427 --> 00:09:31,547 Speaker 5: You can afford to do. Obviously in America. 202 00:09:31,267 --> 00:09:34,667 Speaker 3: It's it's costly to get over there and it's it's 203 00:09:34,707 --> 00:09:38,267 Speaker 3: not a cheap trip, but we sort of get over 204 00:09:38,267 --> 00:09:40,387 Speaker 3: there as much as you can because that's I guess 205 00:09:40,387 --> 00:09:42,627 Speaker 3: we are. The world ranking points are, that's the WOD 206 00:09:42,747 --> 00:09:46,147 Speaker 3: events are, that's that's ultimately where we want to be at. 207 00:09:47,427 --> 00:09:49,907 Speaker 3: But the World Champs is the Krem de la Creme 208 00:09:49,947 --> 00:09:52,827 Speaker 3: and that's what he runs trying to win. So fortunate 209 00:09:52,947 --> 00:09:55,947 Speaker 3: enough to be there this year and hopefully show them 210 00:09:55,947 --> 00:09:57,707 Speaker 3: a little bit about what Keywis can do. 211 00:09:57,987 --> 00:09:58,707 Speaker 4: So good mate. 212 00:09:58,787 --> 00:10:01,307 Speaker 2: Look, it's been great chatting to you Chris. All the 213 00:10:01,307 --> 00:10:03,227 Speaker 2: best mate. Can't wait to see how you go. 214 00:10:03,987 --> 00:10:06,107 Speaker 5: No, awesome, appreciate the time, Thanks very much. 215 00:10:05,987 --> 00:10:07,907 Speaker 4: No thanks, thank you for your time, Chris. What a 216 00:10:08,907 --> 00:10:10,307 Speaker 4: fascinating chat. 217 00:10:10,387 --> 00:10:13,067 Speaker 2: Chris Charlton, one of the Key He is qualifying for 218 00:10:13,107 --> 00:10:16,507 Speaker 2: the World Long Drive Golf Championships in the US late 219 00:10:16,547 --> 00:10:17,427 Speaker 2: September this year. 220 00:10:17,627 --> 00:10:20,187 Speaker 4: So interesting, he's his coach. His coach doesn't let him 221 00:10:20,227 --> 00:10:22,947 Speaker 4: play normal golf anymore. Love that. 222 00:10:22,987 --> 00:10:26,427 Speaker 2: We'll keep track of Chris's progress when he's over in 223 00:10:26,507 --> 00:10:28,827 Speaker 2: the US later on this month and let you know 224 00:10:28,867 --> 00:10:29,387 Speaker 2: how he goes. 225 00:10:30,107 --> 00:10:33,307 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 226 00:10:33,427 --> 00:10:36,827 Speaker 1: to news Talks b weekends from midday or follow the 227 00:10:36,867 --> 00:10:38,347 Speaker 1: podcast on iHeartRadio.