Nearly 1,500 fans turned out this weekend for Endless Summer, the world’s biggest long drive competition, held at Trillium Wood Golf Club.
The two-day event kicked off with Friday’s Military Hitters Showdown, which featured a Hercules flypast, a Skyhawks parachute demonstration, and a high-powered faceoff between Team Canada and Team USA. Brandon Flynn, a former U.S. Air Force meteorologist, took the win over Ottawa’s Tyler Reed, a Master Bombardier and local fan favourite.
“We had an incredible turnout,” said Tournament Director Jodie Jenkins. “From the military showcase to the nighttime finals under the lights, it was world-class entertainment and competition.”
Saturday’s finals brought more excitement. In the women’s division, Canadian Kelly Rudney launched a 347-yard drive to win her first Endless Summer title. In the men’s final, Jack Smith of Louisiana shocked the field with a 421-yard shot to defeat 2024 champion Scottie Pearman.
Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden attended Friday’s event, signalling the province’s growing support for the tournament. In addition to top-tier action, the event raised funds for the United Way Hastings & Prince Edward and the Trenton Military Family Resource Centre.
“Hosting Endless Summer is something we look forward to every year,” said Trillium Wood President Steve McCurdy. “It brings energy, tourism, and excitement to the Quinte region.”
With its fifth anniversary coming up in 2026, Endless Summer is already gearing up for even bigger things.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
