SACC Georgia had the pleasure of interviewing Sandra Carlborg, six-time World Long Drive Champion competing in the World Long Drive Championship in Atlanta in October. Sandra’s mission is not only to grab her 7th championship win but to inspire other women and mothers that they are capable of doing the same. After making a big switch in her career, focusing on her strengths, she pivoted from traditional golf to Long Drive. Sandra uses her experience and transferable expertise from her journey to become a world class athlete in inspirational talks and lectures to business leaders who want their companies and employees to thrive. 

Sandra experienced the world through her golf clubs 

Sandra is based in Alingsås, on the West coast of Sweden, and has competed in 33 countries and 14 states in the US. She started out her professional golf career in 2004 and after 13 years she transitioned into Long Drive. 

“I decided to quit regular golf and focus on what I was excelling in, which was Long Drive”

Sandra tells us she never reached her full potential playing traditional golf, she was really good at hitting the ball far and prior to quitting golf she had even competed in several World Championships in Long Drive just for fun. 

After taking a break from competing during the pandemic, and welcoming her first child in 2020 and her second child the following year, in 2023 she decided she was ready to go back to competing. Sandra has made a commitment to be in her best shape ever when she turns 40 in November this year. She aims to inspire women and mothers that it’s possible to bounce back and achieve their goals. Sandra further mentioned that her goal is to win the World Long Drive Championship here in Atlanta between October 18-22.

Long drive - the showman of golf 

They call Long Drive the Rock n Roll of golf. It is truly an entertainment sport Sandra explains. Essentially the game is to hit the ball as far as you can and each player receives 6 balls to hit within two and half minutes. Long drive has picked up popularity in recent years and the women’s competitions started airing in 2017. Sandra recently returned to Alingsås from winning gold in the World Long Drive Kingsport championship at Cattails at MeadowView Golf Course in Tennessee. The competition in Tennessee was broadcasted on The Golf Channel and she describes the adrenaline she got from winning as magical. 

Going for Gold at World  Long Drive Championship in Atlanta

Between October 18-22, Sandra will be in Atlanta to compete in the World Long Drive Championship at the Bobby Jones golf course in Buckhead. The pressure for this competition is high as Sandra states she has come to win. 

“Not only for myself, my motivation that keeps me going is to pave the way. Through dedication and planning you can reach your goals, and that’s what I hope to do in Atlanta” 

The pandemic caused the growing sport of Long Drive to stagnate slightly but the upcoming Championship in Atlanta will put it back in the limelight. 

Business and Long Drive - the unexpected intersection 

Sandra is currently a 6th time world champion, the leading female player in Long Drive in the world. Coming to Atlanta to grab her 7th win, by working steadfastly and staying dedicated to her goals. 

“I love my job and I love to entertain - I am doing what I do best and my passion is to share that with others so they can do the same”

When she is not winning championships, she conducts clinics, lectures, golf performances for companies and others. Sandra has worked her way back to the top and is passionate about sharing how. Sandra is available for clinics and lectures while in Atlanta. You can reach Sandra Carlborg through her website.