Colton Casto Win Long Drive for Heroes Invitational
September 14, 2021
The world’s longest hitters came together this weekend to raise awareness and funds for those affected by PTSD at Long Drive for Heroes’ $50K Invitational.
- Colton Casto took home the winner’s share
- Justin James finished in second place
- Martin Borgmeier claimed third at LD4H
The long drive invitational took place at Cameron University’s driving range in Lawton, OK, this past Sunday, September 12th.
Six Balls in Two Minutes and Seconds Per Set
The event started September 11th with a military qualifier for active-duty long drivers, giving them a chance to enter a field of professional competitors. In this qualifier, the longest ball of the two-hour session got to advance to the 32-person Invitational taking place September 12th.
Thirty-two hitters were broken up into two groups of sixteen in a double elimination format ending in a victory for Colton Casto, who is one of the top-100 players in the world.
“Six balls, 2 minutes 30 seconds per set. We’re going to whittle it down through double elimination,” said Justin James. “One ball is counting, you’re going to see guys swinging much harder than they would in a traditional golf tournament, going all out to one ball as far as they can.”
LD4H Supports Members Transition Back to Civilian Life
Long Drive for Heroes is a dedicated to supporting military and paramilitary members as they transition back to civilian life by partnering with organizations like the Heart of a Lion Foundation and the Folds of Honor Foundation, The Heart of a Lion Foundation, founded by two-time PGA Major Tour Champion John Daly and combat-wounded veteran Major Ed Pulido, provides mental, physical, and wellness support to America’s children, first responders, and veterans. The Folds of Honor Foundation was created by Air Force veteran and PGA member Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney to fund scholarships for the surviving spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members.
”We’re just bringing these guys out to compete,” said Sgt. Jay Milinichik, CEO of Long Drive for Heroes. “Obviously with COVID and everything else, it’s been a hard road for these athletes. These are true athletes, true professionals and we just wanted to give something back.”
Learn More About the Effects of PTSD
To learn more about PTSD, its effects on our service members, and potential treatments, read the National Center for PTSD publication “Understanding PTSD Treatment.”