WARRINGTON long drive specialist Paul Slater is going “all guns blazing” to add another accolade to his impressive collection.

The world record holder, who set the mark for the longest ever drive with a monster hit of 884 yards on a tarmac airfield in 2006, has qualified for the final of the American Golf UK Long Drive Championship in the over 45s category.

In a competition that had more than 5,000 entrants, Slater reached the final with a drive of 362 yards at a regional qualifier, which is more than three times the length of Wembley Stadium’s pitch.

His latest effort means Slater is now one step away from the over 45s national title and a place at the World Championships in the USA.

Slater will battle for the national title live on Sky Sports on Friday, August 4, at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire, with only the winner advancing to compete ‘across the pond’.

He faces a fight to secure his place in Oklahoma as his drive was not the longest in qualifying.

That honour goes to Sean McCormack, who recorded a 387-yard effort at a qualifying event in Scotland.

However, Slater’s unrivalled pedigree in the sport will make him one of the early favourites as he lines up against the country’s best long drivers.

“This means a lot to me so I’m coming out all guns blazing!” Slater said.

“Qualifying for the American golf long drive finals has been fun over the last few months.

“I can’t wait to get out on the grid down in Oxford under the lights and the T.V. cameras.

“It’s going to be quite the spectacle and I guarantee one thing; I’m going all out, 100 per cent.”

Daniel Gathercole, American Golf’s director of marketing and communications, commented: “The standard of qualifying this year has been amazing. To make the final from over 5000 entrants is an incredible achievement.

“This championship really has brought together every type of golfer, from professionals to big hitting club golfers.”