DAVID Sawtell wasn’t nervous when he wheeled himself on to the tee for the world long drive championship in Mesquite, Nevada, last October.

Sawtell, who lives on the Gold Coast and has spina bifida and paraplegia, has spent a lifetime tackling difficult situations.

“I was more nervous about taking my first flight outside Australia,’’ he said. “I had two good mates make the trip with me and that really helped.’’

Wheelchair-bound Sawtell, 48, can swing the club only with his right arm but still unleashed a drive of 199yds (180m) to take the world title in his disabled category.

“I was happy to win but a bit disappointed I didn’t hit it further than my Australian long drive record (191m),’’ he said. “We were in America for 10 days and it was a tremendous experience.

“I’m very lucky to have a couple of great mates in Scott Cranfield and Dave Budge who took time off from their jobs to make the trip with me.’’

via Love of the Game: David Sawtell wins world long-drive title | Herald Sun.