Arklow golfer William Hunt Tyrrell is off to the United States next month to represent Ireland in the world long-drive final in Nevada. He won the Irish title at the Slieve Russell, Cavan recently.

Already the holder of the Irish record, Hunt Tyrrell drove the ball 360 yards off the tee in his heat and then followed up with a shot of 356 yards in lighter winds to win the final. He had16 yards to spare over his nearest rival and runner-up, Swedish-born Walter Grillenberger who won the Irish title in 2000.

Hunt Tyrell's shot of 360 yards equalled the distance that won the world title three years ago, and he expects that the thinner air at higher altitude in Nevada will add another 20 to 30 yards to the length of his shot.