The Washington Times-Herald

Homepage

Related Photos

  • Greg Sims

    Greg Sims

Discussion

October 17, 2012

Driving down the highway

By Gregg A. Sims Washington Times Herald

WASHINGTON — Roger Miller would be proud, I think.

In case you’ve been wanting to take a drive down I-69, the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation has just the answer for you.

You don’t have to bring your car. You certainly don’t need a guy by the names of Chives or James to drive.

All you need is a golf club, three golf balls and a little time between 10 a.m. and noon this Saturday.

You could be one of the first Kings of the Road on I-69, as Miller suggested. That’s a pretty neat title actually.

As part of the I-69 Celebration, the corporation is holding a long drive contest on the interstate.

The event is scheduled to be held in the CR 100 area, where Saturday’s celebration is scheduled to take place.

Drivers will compete in two age categories, ages 60 and over and 59 and under. Longest drive in each category wins $100. Entry fee is simple — bring some canned goods for Feed My Sheep.

A driving mat with tee is provided. It will be placed on the highway. Drives will be hit, and the longest drive wins.

Any balls between the north and southbound roads are in. Any balls that land to the right of the southbound lane are out of bounds.

“We’re simply asking people to bring their own driver, and their own golf balls,” Arnold said. “They can hit up to three. The drives can bounce on the road and it counts as long as the drive ends on the road or in the median between the roads. Nothing to the right of the southbound lane counts. That’s out of bounds.”

The contest will be held at the underpass for CR100, or Bedford Road if you prefer.

The other events for the festival are set to be held north of where the driving contest is located, so there is no chance of being harmed by stray shots.

The festival is also scheduled to begin at noon, and the long driving contest is set from 10 a.m. to noon. Assistants will be on hand to measure the shots.

“The best way to get there is to go out on old US 50 toward Hoeflings, and it’s the road just west of Hoeflings that goes over the tracks,” Arnold said. “It’s basically Bedford Road between here and Montgomery. It’s pretty well known and shouldn’t be hard to find.”

Arnold said the committee designed the contest with some creative suggestions offered by state officials.

“We were told by the state to think of things that people typically don’t do on an interstate highway,” Arnold said. “This was one thing. We’ve tried to make everything as broad based as possible. There will be things for kids to do during the actual celebration. There’s a run, bike rides, inflatables for the kids, all kinds of things to do north of where we will be.”

We hope the contest will help generate some interest, and the $100 we’re giving away  in both divisions, as well as a certificate saying they hit the longest drive on I-69, will hopefully help bring some people out for the day,” Arnold said.

While singles are welcomed, Arnold said he is hoping golfers will bring their buddies along for a chance at hitting the longest drive on I-69. Groups are encouraged.

“We want people to bring their friends and come out and hit a few balls,” Arnold said. “We hope this will be a way for people to have some fun and enjoy themselves.”

I was interested in giving it a shot myself, but Arnold noted the contest will be held on a long, straight, stretch of roadway.

I was hoping for a rather large, left-to-right, sweeping curve with banking to fit my present ball flight, which isn’t  that impressive.

“No, it’s going to be on a straight stretch of road,” Arnold said.

Oh well, that shouldn’t keep you away. After all, it sounds pretty neat to be known as a King, or Queen for the matter, of the Road, even if the road isn’t yet opened.

Text Only
Local News
Obituaries
Local Sports
The "Z" Watch
Must Read
Entertainment
State News
Featured Ads
Facebook
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Poll

Do you have a Summer weather prediction?

Hot drought (like 2012
Wet
Seasonal and pleasant
     View Results
AP Video
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Clicker Ticker
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide