One of the biggest drivers in professional golf has just joined the PGA Tour, and he can hit the ball over 400 yards

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Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy may have some competition as the longest driver in professional golf. 

Christo Lamprecht just got his Tour card, and at 6’8”, he became the tallest player on the PGA Tour. He’s a unique talent, and one that will grasp fans’ full attention whenever he steps up to the tee box. 

That’s because he can rival McIlroy and DeChambeau’s driving distance off the tee with his insane ball and swing speeds. Lamprecht has played in major championships and professional events, hitting a 400+ yard drive to burst onto the scene in 2023.

Christo Lamprecht’s 418-yard drive shocked golf fans

At the 2023 Dunhill Links Championship, Lamprecht smashed a 418-yard drive to shock the golfing world. 

The South African had just won the Amateur Championship, and frequently clocked ball speeds of 200mph during the Dunhill Links.

He also exploded out of the gates at the 2024 Masters. His first two tee shots were 353 yards and 366 yards. He averaged 323 yards driving at the 2023 Open Championship, ranking second in the field. But Lamprecht is more than just a long-hitter. 

His Amateur Championship win in 2023 earned him a place at the major championships, and at The Open in 2023, Lamprecht was the second-highest-ranked amateur in the field. He was even in contention after day one of the tournament.

Lamprecht impressed with a 5-under 66, which saw him tied for the lead after Thursday’s play. 

He turned professional in 2024, gaining entry to the Korn Ferry Tour. In August, he earned his first professional victory at the Pinnacle Bank Championship. Now he takes his talent to the PGA Tour, and if we know anything, it’s that he can match up with the best of them off the tee. 

Christo Lamprecht’s biggest weaknesses

As you would expect for someone of Lamprecht’s ability off the tee, his short game requires refinement if he wants to compete at the highest level.

His putting has been acceptable over his career, gaining +0.2 strokes on the greens, but his approach play means Lamprecht is playing with one hand behind his back. According to Data Golf he has lost 1.5 strokes when approaching the greens over his career. 

With his wayward iron shots, Lamprecht’s scrambling ability grows in importance. But he loses strokes there, too. 0.4 strokes lost around the green to be precise.

And while driving is his biggest strength, he hits it long with little accuracy. He gains 2.3 strokes on driving distance, but loses 1.4 with driving accuracy. That means, on average, Lamprecht gains only 0.9 strokes off the tee.

He’s an electric driver of the golf ball, but until he becomes a more well-rounded player, Lamprecht will struggle to compete week in, week out on the PGA Tour.