<P> Long drive shafts differ from standard shafts . The main difference is stiffness, as a shaft not stiff enough will lag in an inconsistent manner, causing a loss of control . These shafts are stiffer in flex and almost always made of graphite, which is lighter than steel . In order to be stiff, a shaft is usually heavier and stronger . The kick point or bend point is also higher for a lower trajectory relative to the swing, and the shaft has a lower torque, meaning that it will not twist as much, allowing the clubhead to stay straighter . </P> <P> Clubheads usually approach the 460 cubic centimeter limit, rarely below 400 cc . They must stay within the Coefficient Of Restitution (COR) limit of 0.83, which measures how a ball hits off the surface . Most clubheads only approach the COR in the center of the club, so technology has allowed more area of the club to possess a COR of above 0.80 . Thus, mishits are less affected by the newer clubheads . The loft of a long drive club is also much lower than a consumer club, sometimes around 4 or 5 degrees, as opposed to 10.5 degrees for an amateur's driver . The reason for lower lofted driver heads is to greatly reduce back spin . Too much back spin causes the ball to balloon or climb, creating a steep landing angle which does not allow the ball roll out . A flatter landing angle is desired to get the most out of the ball's forward velocity and energy . </P> <P> Many competitions require golfers to use a specification ball for the tournament . The specific design characteristics of this ball include a dimple design that helps to maintain lower spin rates and a ball compression of 110 . The average ball compression in golf varies from the mid-70s to the upper 80s . </P> <Ul> <Li> David Mobley, World Long Drive Champion--2004--Ranked #1 in the World by Long Drivers of America in 2003, 2004, and 2005 </Li> <Li> Bubba Watson, 424 yd . drive (lost Long Drive contest to Jamie Sadlowski) </Li> <Li> Alan Shepard, "Miles and miles and miles ." Apollo 14, February 5, 1971 . (This occurred on the Moon with a 6 - iron and is unofficial .) </Li> <Li> Mike Austin, He was credited by Guinness World Records with hitting the longest drive in tournament play (471m / 515 yards) in 1974 </Li> <Li> Sean Fister ("The Beast"), World Long Drive Champion 1995, 2001, 2005 . </Li> <Li> Monte Scheinblum, 1992 U.S. National and World Long Drive Champion . </Li> <Li> Jason Zuback ("Golfzilla"), World Long Drive Champion 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2006. Seniors World Long Drive Champion 2015 . </Li> <Li> Sandra Carlborg, Ladies Division WR holder 391, Yards World Long Drive Champion 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 </Li> <Li> Phillis Meti 2006 & 2016 Womens World Long Drive Champion . WR for women's longest drive 406 yards and being the youngest female World Champion 19 years, 2 months . Hit 349 yards on the WLD grid in 2008.,, </Li> </Ul>

Who has hit the longest drive in golf