In the winter, Russell's Dru Mushumanski is outplaying opponents on the ice, but, in the summer he's on the golf links smashing balls... literally.

The 12-year-old is currently en route to Des Moines, Iowa to take part in an Amateur Long Drive Qualifier. The event will feature other competitors from around the United States, as well as Canada.

"I really am so excited to get the chance to compete in this event," said Mushumanski. "I've been practicing since the day the golf season began, so it's been a lot of hard work to prepare for it."

Dru has spent hundreds of hours at the driving range working on his swing, as he looks to master not only a long drive but a straight one as well. 

How did Dru even find out about the qualifying event over 13 hours away? Well, he was invited. 

"Getting invited definitely gives me a lot of confidence," he added. "I'm just hoping I can do really good."

In the end, all those hours at Happy's Driving Range has paid off for Dru, as he will enter the event as one of the favourites.

The record for the 12 & Under age group is 255 yards, and Dru has shown on a consistent basis that he can hit the ball more than 260 yards.

"I'm definitely feeling some extra pressure on myself heading in," said Mushumanski. "It's not even just about how far you hit it, it has to be straight. I can hit it 265, but if it's not straight enough, it won't count."

Dru and his dad rolled through Nebraska earlier this afternoon for some lunch before he will get to Des Moines this evening. Although he's mentally prepared for tomorrow, he's enjoying everything that comes with travelling a long distance.

"It's been a lot of fun seeing so many new things," he added. "And, of course, meeting lots of new people has been enjoyable."

"It's just been fun seeing things I haven't seen before," said Mushumanski.

When asked if he thought he would be in this position, Dru said "Not really" as he chuckled.

If Dru is successful, he will advance to the Amateur Long Drive Finals in Myrtle Beach in mid-August.