The length of four football fields. That’s about all that stands between Jesse Thrasher, his driver and $150,000 at the World Long Drive Championship.

If the St. Joseph man can power a golf ball somewhere around 418 yards — the distance of last year’s winning drive — he’ll be positioned for a pretty prestigious prize.

Thrasher will compete with 143 other golfers this week during the World Long Drive Championship in Mesquite, Nev.

“Nervous. Anxious. Excited,” said Thrasher, a Benton High School graduate. “I’m feeling it all. It’s a mixed bag of emotions.”

Thrasher earned the trip to Nevada after besting 75 other competitors at a regional qualifying event this summer in St. Louis.

His best drive — about 402 yards — came at the qualifier. The St. Louis qualifier this year was the third time he’s entered the regional events. Thrasher said he’s improved each time he’s competed.

And Thrasher thinks he can do even better, possibly even enough to get near 2008 champion Jamie Sadlowski’s 418-yard, record mark hit last year.

“It’s just all about figuring it out and getting your swing down,” Thrasher said. “It’s important to keep it smooth. You can’t try too hard — slow and smooth.”

Thrasher starts play at 11 a.m. Wednesday. In each round, the competitor gets six attempts with the longest drive counting as the golfer’s score. Competitors advance through match-play rounds, which culminate with the semifinals and finals on Friday evening.

“I think I have a shot,” Thrasher said. “I’m going to go out, do my best and just try to have fun with it.”

Sports Editor Scott Pummell can be reached

at scottp@npgco.com