Harrison takes long-drive title

BOLTON – The Patriots are holding their annual Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament today at The International. One of the highlights is the long-drive competition held on the driving range, with quarterback Tom Brady this year's defending champion.

But Brady did not compete this year, which opened the door for a three-way final between safety Rodney Harrison, punter Chris Hanson and kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Harrison won it, striking a drive of 287 yards in the final.

Before reaching the final, Hanson had the long drive of the day, at 296. Harrison hit 291 to advance to the final.

Brady, before teeing off at No. 1, talked about not defending his title.

“I figured I’d give it up this year, let someone else have a chance to win,” he joked.

Brady, wearing white shorts and a button-down blue collar shirt, said he’s played golf about 5-6 times this offseason. He struck a nice drive which hugged the left side of the fairway on No. 1 before hopping in his cart.

“First swing of the day,” he said to the group he was playing alongside. “Not bad for a quarterback.”

Brady, who said he’d done “everything” in terms of offseason conditioning and will be on the field for the start of training camp, seemed to enjoy being out on the golf course.

“It’s a fun day for everybody to come out and support the charitable organization,” he said. “There are so many people who work hard on this event. We get a lot of great support at the couple of events we do each year. This one is fun for the players because we can get out and play some golf, and have fun with one another.”

In addition to Brady, other players answering questions from media members included kicker Stephen Gostkowski, running back Laurence Maroney, cornerbacks Jason Webster and Ellis Hobbs, linebackers Adalius Thomas, Victor Hobson and Tedy Bruschi, quarterback Matt Cassel, defensive lineman Richard Seymour and safety Rodney Harrison.

Harrison, before winning the long-drive competition, talked with his trademark competitive streak.

“I think, overall, I have a pretty good chance. Chris Hanson, the little skinny punter, he hits the ball pretty long, but I keep it in the fairway, he can’t,” he said with a chuckle.