Two of the Island's longest hitters of the ball will bid to qualify for this year's Re/Max World Long Drive Championship in Puerto Rico next week.

Former US International Junior Golf Tour player and multiple Fecchio Cup winner Daniel Augustus and past Remax Long Drive qualifier Timmy James will be among 30,000 competitors all vying for a record $500,000 purse and the honour of being crowned world champion ESPN television.

The event — to be held October 4 to 7 — is open to men and women, amateurs, non-amateurs and professionals, of all ages.

The Island's two representatives will compete in the men's Caribbean and Latin Open Division for the ten available qualifying spots up for grabs for next month's Re/Max World Long Drive Championship to be held in Las Vegas.

Accompanying young Augustus and James to Puerto Rico is Bermuda Professional Golf Association (BPGA) vice-president Alex Madeiros who will travel to the Caribbean with high expectations of having Bermuda host next year's championship.

"What we are trying to do is promote this event more aggressively here in Bermuda," he said.

"We are talking about some of the longest drivers of the ball in the world here, and our aim is to have Bermuda play host to this premier event."

James is no stranger to the golf spectacle, having qualified before in the past, while at age 20, Augustus is averaging an impressive 310 yards off the tee.

"I am very ecstatic and happy to be given this opportunity, which is really a privilege," he said.

"I am a big fellow and so this competition suits me fine. It's always been a strength of mine, hitting the ball long.

"It's more of a gift to me than anything else — and I thank God for the talent."