Golfers challenged to attempt 750-yard drive for United Way on airport runway

THUNDER BAY -- The United Way of Thunder Bay is challenging local golfers to go big or stay home.

On May 28, in a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the local charity has teamed up with Thunder Bay International Airports Authority for an unprecedented opportunity on May 28, a chance to drive a ball down a closed runway.

Organizers of the event say the closest-to-the-hole prize – the flag planted an estimated 750 yards from the tee box – will win a helicopter ride around Thunder Bay courtesy of Wisk Air.

TBIAA president and CEO Ed Schmidtke said with a complete refurbishment of the cross-wind runway scheduled anyway, it was a great opportunity to do something different to give back to the community.

“We’re always looking for ways to leverage our airfield assets, our airport to help the community in unique ways. With this one, with the runway being closed for the first time in 30 years for reconstruction, we thought here’s a new opportunity, here’s something different,” Schmidtke said.

“When we looked for ideas, this one just seemed to be a natural.”

The runway is expected to be closed for two-and-a-half months and completely rebuilt and repaved, he added.

“We don’t have to worry about damage, we don’t have to worry about anything because we clean up afterward while we have about 10 weeks of downtime to clean up, pick up the golf balls, do all the things that logistically are part of taking care of this after the fact.”

Wisk Air will act as the clubhouse for participants, who will pay $50 per ball, the only stipulation being a three-ball minimum to take part.
Golfers will be shuttled to the tee area, which will see them shoot back toward Highway 61.

“From there you’re going to try your best at a 700- to 750-yard drive,” Schmidtke said.

United Way of Thunder Bay president Mike Belliveau said he’s thrilled to be the event’s fundraising recipient, noting they hope to raise about $15,000.

Only 200 balls are available.

For context, the longest drive in the past 15 seasons was a 498-yard blast by Tiger Woods at the Mercedes Classic in 2002. According to About Sports, the longest drive ever unofficially recorded on the PGA Tour was a 787-yard behemoth in 1992 by Carl Cooper, a shot that hit a cart path and kept going.

To book a tee time for the event, phone 473-2600.