Louis Oosthuizen wins USPGA Championship Long Drive

With bombers like Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott among the competitors in the USPGA Championship Long Drive competition, it was surprisingly Louis Oosthuizen who took the honours with a huge 340-yard effort.

The South African, using his Ping i25 driver, eclipsed the efforts of Jason Day and club professional Johan Kok, who finished third in the first running of USPGA Championship Long Drive competition since 1984.

Playing for a $25,000 prize for charity, the winner of the 2010 Open hit his winning shot two yards past Day on the par-5 10th hole to capture the title.

Adam Scott had taken the early lead with a 320-yard hit Tuesday morning, but was passed by Rickie Fowler's 328-yard drive just before midday.

Renowned big hitter Gary Woodland eventually took over with a 330-yard drive before Day, Kok and Oosthuizen passed him in the late afternoon.

Contestants each had one attempt and their drives had to land in the fairway.

It's not the first time Oosthuizen has shined in a pre-tournament competition, having won the Masters Par-3 Contest in 2010.

Fan favourite for the title Bubba Watson, who leads the PGA Tour in driving distance, declined to participate and hit a 3-iron off the 10th tee, citing he was in business mode ahead of the season's final major.

USPGA Championship Long Drive Competition Top-10

1. Louis Oosthuizen, 340 yards. 2. Jason Day, 338 yards. 3. Johan Kok, 337 yards. 4. Gary Woodland, 330 yards. 5. Rickie Fowler, 328 yards. 6. Keegan Bradley 326 yards. 7. Danny Willett 322 yards. 8. Adam Scott 320 yards. 9. Sergio Garcia 320 yards. 10. Scott Piercy 320 yards.