Bermuda's Daniel Augustus will square off against some of the world's elite golfers at the 2007 Re/Max World Long Drive Championship in Las Vegas later this month.

The 20-year old golfer received exemption to the premier golf event, to be televised on ESPN, with an impressive showing during last weekend's Caribbean and Latin America District held in Puerto Rico, where he drove distances of 350, 325 and 345 yards off the tee and ousted defending champion Jose Quesada of Costa Rica.

Augustus' first-round blast of 350 yards into the wind was also the longest drive of the day in the Open Division at the San Jose Golf Academy in San Juan last Saturday.

"I really can't believe this has happened . . . . I am going to be competing with the world's best!" an elated Augustus exclaimed.

"These are guys who have been doing this for years while this is only my first time (attempt to qualify).

"It was a great experience; the pressure was on with every shot. But I was able to handle my nerves, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

"I just tried to relax and hit the ball as well as I could. That's all you can really do. And I always knew that if I caught one right, then I would do good.

"The people were great and I was fortunate to have the company of Alex (Bermuda Professional Golf Association vice-president Alex Madeiros) and Timmy (former Re/Max World Long Drive qualifier Timmy James).

"They were there to support me and James was also a big help, having been in this sort of position before."

Augustus will now travel to Las Vegas October 20 to compete in the World Championship.

"It's almost like a Cinderella story, so to speak," he added.

BPGA executive Madeiros, who is appealing for sponsors to back young Augustus in his World Championship bid, added: "Daniel carried Bermuda's flag well. I had tears in my eyes and couldn't believe it at first.

"Daniel's performance was unbelievable. He became an instant celebrity out there — everybody was in awe."