Meet Kelly Rudney, the Woman Behind the World's Longest Golf Drives

Long drive competitions are booming. The thrill? Pure power meets jaw-dropping athleticism. While skill and strategy matter, here it’s all about outdriving and outshining the competition, chasing the world’s longest golf drive. And Kelly Rudney? She’s at the forefront, turning heads and proving the women’s field is stronger than ever.

Long drive competitions are capturing attention everywhere, from viral online clips to packed arena events. The draw is clear: explosive swings, precise technique, and moments of pure athleticism that leave spectators in awe. Kelly Rudney’s presence in these events doesn’t just showcase her own incredible power, it signals the rising depth and talent in the women’s long drive scene.

Rudney's success isn’t defined by power alone, it’s built on mindset. Her discipline, positivity and relentless drive for improvement mirror the qualities of the sport’s top competitors. By embracing cutting-edge training, from sports science-based fitness routines to advanced swing analysis, she ensures she’s always pushing the limits of performance innovation. Today's women of golf are regularly driving distances that surpass the marks of past champions, showing just how far the sport has evolved, and Rudney is right in the middle of that surge forward.

What began as a friendly rivalry at the local driving range evolved into Kelly’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the years, she honed her swing mechanics, built her strength, and mastered the art of generating maximum distance without sacrificing accuracy, a balance that defines the sport’s best competitors. In June 2025, Kelly won the Women’s Longest Drive title at the Endless Summer Long Drive event with a 347-yard drive.

The sport's premier event, the World Long Drive Championship, was officially launched in 1974. While the men’s competition had historically been the main event, the introduction of a women’s division in 2000 marked a pivotal moment, giving female athletes the chance to demonstrate their prowess on a global stage. This expansion has been key to the sport's growth, highlighting the incredible athleticism and power of women in long drive.

The growth of women’s golf in general mirrors this rise in long drive. Over the last decade, the sport has seen unprecedented energy and athleticism, with women now accounting for 28% of all on-course golfers, the highest proportion ever recorded. Women and girls have driven much of this growth, representing over 60% of the net gain in golfers over the past five years. Greater access to professional coaching, training facilities, and international tournaments, along with media coverage and grassroots programs, has inspired more young girls to pick up the sport. Kelly is part of this wave, motivating not only aspiring pros but also recreational players who see her success as proof that golf is truly for everyone.

Kelly Rudney claimed the 2025 World Long Drive Women’s Division World Championship at Bigfoot Turf Farm in LaSalle, Colorado, on September 27, 2025. The Canadian powerhouse, smashed a 413-yard bomb in the final to defeat World No. 1 Monica Lieving (380 yards), just one yard shy of the women’s world record held by Phillis Meti (414 yards). The drive beat her previous personal best of 384 yards, also set at Bigfoot Turf Farm in LaSalle, Colorado.

The win marks Rudney’s third career World Long Drive title and cements her as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Her journey is more than a story of distance and titles, it’s a testament to dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. She inspires not just through record breaking drives, but through the example she sets for every golfer chasing their own potential. As women redefine what’s possible on the course, Kelly stands as a beacon of passion, power, and possibility, proving that with enough drive and heart, anyone can break through the limits they set for themselves.

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Long Drive Organizations and Tours

To stay up to date on Long Drive Competitions and Tours, or for more information on the sport, check out these organizations:

World Long Drive (WLD) the premier professional long drive organization, featuring the world's best hitters in a series of high-stakes tournaments. Visit their website for schedules and locations.

Ultimate Long Drive (ULD) provides a key pathway for aspiring long drivers, hosting numerous events for both professional and amateur competitors. Learn more on their website.

Amateur Long Drive (ALD) is dedicated to the grassroots level of the sport, offering a platform for non-professional golfers across North America to compete. Check out their website for events and opportunities.

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Kelly’s social media presence offers fans a front-row seat to her competition days and behind the scenes moments. She goes beyond sharing highlights, often posting raw, unscripted glimpses of her journey. Her authenticity resonates with fans and fellow golfers alike.

Follow her rise in women’s long drive and see her in action on Instagram @kellyrudney & Facebook.