Phuket, Thailand – November 16, 2024 – Tomohiro Toyonaga made history on November 16, 2024, by becoming the first Japanese athlete to claim victory at the Asia Long Drive Championship. His remarkable performance, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 387-yard drive, earned him the title of Asia’s Long Drive Champion, cementing his place in the region’s golf history.

In a thrilling final, Toyonaga faced off against Kyota Koido, who finished in second place after a hard-fought contest in the fourth round. Naoto Misumi, who had previously triumphed at the 2024 ULD (Ultimate Long Drive) World Championship in September, rounded out the podium in third place. Misumi’s impressive performance followed his record-setting fifth consecutive win in the Japan Long Drive Championship.

Defending champion Steffan Scutti from Australia was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Hong Kong’s Zensen Hu, who advanced to the semifinals in a highly competitive field. This year's championship saw elite athletes from across the region competing for the prestigious title, and the competition proved to be one of the most challenging and exciting in Asia Long Drive history.

Historic Championship in Thailand

The 2024 Asia Long Drive Championship was held from November 14 to 16 at Phuket Air Park in Thailand, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region. In a groundbreaking move, the event was staged on a 660-yard airport runway, offering athletes a unique and challenging venue to showcase their power and precision. This innovative location provided a dramatic backdrop for the competition, with athletes from nine countries and regions—including Thailand, Japan, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Hong Kong—battling for supremacy in the long drive event.

With a total of 24 elite long-drive athletes vying for the title, the competition demonstrated the growing popularity and skill level of the sport in Asia. The athletes competed in a series of rounds, each testing their strength, technique, and mental focus, with the 387-yard mark set by Toyonaga becoming the longest drive of the event.

About Tomohiro Toyonaga

Tomohiro Toyonaga, 37, hails from Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. A passionate golfer since the age of 15, Toyonaga began his professional training at the Grandage Golf Club in Nara Prefecture after graduating from high school. Throughout his career, he has consistently excelled in distance, stating, “I’ve never lost to anyone in terms of distance.” Despite facing challenges in his career, including struggles with approach shots, Toyonaga transitioned to becoming a golf instructor, where he continued to nurture his love for the sport.

His win at the 2024 Asia Long Drive Championship is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the game, as he now holds the distinction of being Asia’s Long Drive Champion.

Building the Future of Long Drive in Asia-Pacific

The Asia Long Drive Association (ALDA) is committed to elevating the sport of long drive across the Asia-Pacific region. As part of its vision for the next decade, ALDA is actively working to establish a robust competition structure that includes regional tour events and a series of championship tournaments. This initiative aims to transform long drive into a fully professional sport, providing athletes with a clear pathway for growth and development while increasing the sport's visibility and appeal across the region.

Through strategic partnerships and innovative event planning, ALDA seeks to inspire a new generation of long drive athletes and bring global attention to the immense talent within Asia-Pacific. The success of the 2024 Asia Long Drive Championship underscores the potential of the sport and ALDA’s dedication to its future.