'European DeChambeau' Nina Ver: "Did you see the 439-yard long drive?"

Joburg Open Runner-up, 439-Yard 'Pung' on 4th Hole of Round 1, Born Long Hitter at 187cm and 80kg

Wilco Nienaber is hitting a drive shot on the 2nd hole on the final day of the European Tour Joburg Open. Johannesburg (South Africa) = Getty Images / Multivits Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Maximum 439 yards."

The 'European version of DeChambeau' has emerged. It is Wilco Nienaber (South Africa). On the 23rd (Korean time), during the first round of the European Tour Joburg Open (total prize money 19.5 million Rand) held at the Randpark Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa (par 71), he hit a massive 439-yard drive on the 4th hole (par 5, 597 yards), drawing the spotlight. He is a 20-year-old rookie who turned professional after winning the South African Amateur Golf Championship last year.

Compared to the PGA Tour, this ranks as the second longest drive. Justin Thomas (USA) hit a 449-yard tee shot on the 2nd hole (par 5, 612 yards) at the Chapultepec Golf Club in Mexico City during the final day of the World Golf Championships (WGC) Mexico Championship in February. It is interesting that the high altitude of Mexico City at 2,300 meters helps the ball fly farther. Similarly, Nienaber benefited greatly from Randpark Golf Club being situated at an altitude of 1,750 meters.

It is noteworthy that Nienaber’s average driving distance reaches 336.8 yards. This is just 1 yard short of the 337.8 yards of 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA), who made headlines on the PGA Tour with his incredible power. DeChambeau also bulked up by gaining 18 kg. This shows that Nienaber is a naturally long hitter. He has a slim physique at 187 cm and 80 kg. Having finished as runner-up by 2 strokes, he has emerged as a promising player with both distance and strength.