 Keep current with the latest developments in long drive - news, results, stats, LDA press releases and the like.
LDA UNVEILS PLANS FOR 2012 TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
2012 Membership Packages Announced
ROANOKE, TEXAS (January 31, 2012) – Long Drivers of America (LDA) today announced plans to conduct a 2012 LDA Tour Championship at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla. on Saturday, September 15.
The limited field LDA Tour Championship will showcase top performers on the 2012 LDA Tour. LDA previously announced the schedule for its seven-stop, members-only 2012 LDA Tour, which begins on March 4 with the Mesquite Shootout in Mesquite, Nevada.
Prize money plus exemptions to the 2012 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick’s Sporting Goods, the premier event in power golf, are on the line at each LDA Tour stop. A complete 2012 LDA Tour schedule may be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.longdrivers.com" www.longdrivers.com.
LDA also announced today its 2012 membership packages: Go Deep and Just Compete. The “Go Deep” package, with an annual membership fee of $299, features an array of merchandise and benefits including a LIVE LONG golf shaft, a 10-percent discount on long drive equipment purchased through Sellinger’s Power Golf, certificates for 2012 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship qualifying events, as well access to 2012 LDA Tour events. The “Just Compete” package, with an annual membership fee of $149, provides a 10-percent discount on long drive equipment purchased through Sellinger’s Power Golf and access to 2012 LDA Tour events.
For a complete description of benefits associated with each LDA membership package, browse "http://www.longdrivers.com" www.longdrivers.com or contact LDA headquarters at (888) 233-4654.
“We are pleased to add the 2012 LDA Tour Championship at WinStar World Casino to our schedule of seven tour events this spring and summer,” said LDA owner and chief executive officer Art Sellinger. “We expect to have some exciting news to share about the big finale at WinStar in the very near future.”
2012 LDA TOUR SCHEDULE RELEASED
SEVEN STOPS COMPRISE
PROFESSIONAL LONG DRIVE CIRCUIT
ROANOKE, TEXAS (January 17, 2012) - Long Drivers of America (LDA) today released its complete schedule of 2012 tour events, beginning with the Mesquite Shootout in Mesquite, Nev. on Sunday, March 4.
Prize money and exemptions to the 2012 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick's Sporting Goods, the premier event in power golf, will be up for grabs at each LDA Tour stop.
Making their debut on LDA's professional long-drive circuit are the Endless Summer Invitational set for June 10-11 at the Alta Vista Country Club in Placentia, Calif. and the Heartland Shootout set for Saturday, June 30 at Red Tail Run Golf Course in Decatur, Ill.
The 2012 LDA Tour schedule consists of:
Mesquite Shootout
Mesquite Sports and Event Complex
Mesquite, Nevada
March 4 (Sunday)
Defending Champion: Mike Dobbyn
Alligator Alley Shootout
Duran Golf Club
Viera, Florida
May 5 (Saturday)
(Pro-Am on May 4)
Defending Champion: Landon Gentry
Tennessee Shootout
Graysburg Hills Golf Course
Greeneville, Tennessee
June 7 (Thursday) - June 8 (Friday)
(Pro-Am on June 8)
Defending Champion: Houston Hair
Endless Summer Invitational (NEW EVENT)
Alta Vista Country Club
Placentia, California
June 10 - 11
(Pro-Am on June 11)
Heartland Shootout (NEW EVENT)
Red Tail Run Golf Course
Decatur, Illinois
June 30 (Saturday)
(Pro-Am on June 29)
Keystone Shootout
Greens of Greenville
Greenville, Pennsylvania
July 22 (Sunday) - July 23 (Monday)
(Pro-Am on July 23)
Defending Champion: Aaron Mansfield
Mile High Shootout
Park Hill Golf Club
Denver, Colorado
August 25
(Pro-Am on August 24)
Defending Champion: Jeff Gavin
Competition is restricted to active LDA members. To check on individual membership status, contact LDA headquarters at (888) 233-4654 or (682) 549-2105.
More information on LDA-sanctioned competition, including the 2012 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick's Sporting Goods, is available at www.longdrivers.com.
LDA ANNOUNCES "LAUNCH" TO 2012 LONG DRIVE SEASON
ROANOKE, TEXAS (December 8, 2011) - Long Drivers of America (LDA) today announced the 2012 Desert Launch Championship, the first U.S. qualifying event for the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick's Sporting Goods, will take place at Mesquite Sports and Event Complex in Mesquite, Nev. on March 1-3.
Top Desert Launch Championship finishers will earn a spot at the RE/MAX world finals next fall.
In addition, those competitors that qualify for the 2012 Desert Launch finals will be eligible for the RWLDC Last Chance Qualifier in October (TBA).
No pre-registration or pre-payment of entry fees is required for the 2012 Desert Launch. Just register on-site and tee it up!
The schedule of events for the 2012 Desert Launch Championship is:
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Local Qualifying - Open and Senior (45+) Divisions
Qualifier 1
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Qualifier 2
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Qualifier 3
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Top competitors from each session advance to Saturday finals
Friday, March 2, 2012
Local Qualifying - Open and Senior (45+) Divisions
Qualifier 1
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Qualifier 2
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Qualifier 3
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Top competitors from each session advance to Saturday finals
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Desert Launch Championship Finals
Senior Division
Registration: 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Start Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Open Division
Registration: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Start Time: 11:00 AM - Finish
Additionally, LDA announced it will conduct the first of its members-only professional LDA Tour events - the 2012 Mesquite Shootout - on Sunday, March 4.
Registration for the Mesquite Shootout opens on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 and closes on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012.
Mesquite Shootout entry fees are $650 if paid by Jan. 16, 2012 (5pm CST) or $800 thereafter (until Feb. 3, 5pm CST).
To register for the Mesquite Shootout, contact LDA headquarters at (682) 549-2105 or (888) 233-4654. Payment is due at the time of registration; LDA memberships must also be current.
The Open Division field for the Mesquite Shootout will be limited to the first 48 competitors to register; a list of alternates will also be maintained.
For information on the 2012 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick's Sporting Goods, as well as rules and regulations for the 2012 Desert Launch and Mesquite Shootout, browse www.longdrivers.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORMER CHAMPIONS WOLTER, MOBLEY BACK ON TOP OF LONG DRIVE WORLD
MESQUITE,
NEVADA (November 5, 2011) – Carl Wolter and David Mobley, a pair of
former world long drive champions, today reclaimed the top rungs on the
power golf ladder by capturing titles at the 2011 RE/MAX World Long
Drive Championship Powered By Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Wolter, the
2002 RE/MAX world champion, defeated Ben Tuaone 409-388 to win his
second Open Division title. Wolter earned $150,000 and bragging rights
as the longest hitter in the world.
Mobley, the 2004 RE/MAX world
champion, defeated Vincent Ciurluini 459-452 to seize his first Senior
Division crown. Mobley earned $50,000 for his win.
Tailwinds
registering a sustained 20mph and gusting higher produced enormous
distance during Senior Division competition, as players routinely
registered drives exceeding 440 yards.
Mobley’s winning drive of 459
yards obliterated the RE/MAX WLDC Senior Division record of 394+ yards
set by Frank Miller in 2007.
Conditions began changing during the
Open Division quarterfinals, as the wind gradually shifted from left to
right across the 70-yard-wide championship grid at Mesquite Sports and
Event Complex.
Even so, Wolter pounded out massive drives of 446
yards in his quarterfinal win over 2008-09 champion Jamie Sadlowski and
459 yards in his semifinal win over 2010 champion Joe Miller.
In
the finals, with temperatures falling and the wind blowing crosswise and
in, Wolter could only muster 409 yards; but that was more than enough
to secure his win.
Sadlowski’s winning of drive of 418 yards in 2008 remains on the books as the championship finals record.
The
parade of 2011 RE/MAX world champions also included Sweden’s Sandra
Carlborg (Ladies Division), and Americans Rick Scott (Masters Division),
Michael Hooper (Legends Division), and Pat Dempsey (Grand Champions
Division, Super Seniors Division).
2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive
Championship global telecast premiere will be December 24 at 1PM EST on
ESPN and again Christmas day at 12:30 PM EST on ESPN2.
2011 RE/MAX WLDC OFFICIAL RESULTS
Senior Division - Quarterfinals
Vince Ciurluini - 456 yards defeats Craig Hagen - 441 yards
Johan Tumba - 434 yards defeats Bobby Wilson - 430 yards
David Mobley - 454 yards defeats Sean Fister - 444 yards
Pat Dempsey - 446 yards defeats Vince Howell - 440 yards
Semifinal Match Play
Vince Ciurluini - 439 yards defeated Johan Tumba - 423 yards
David Mobley - 455 yards defeated Pat Dempsey - 448 yards
Finals
David Mobley 459 yards def Vince Ciurluini 453
Open Division Quarterfinals
Joe Miller - 421 yards defeats Justin Moose - 416 yards
Carl Wolter - 446 yards defeats Jamie Sadlowski - 443 yards
Ben Tuaone - 437 yards defeats Carl John Hellstrom - OB
Aaron Mansfield - 426 yards defeats Jeff Gavin - 416 yards
Semi finals Match Play
Carl Wolter 459 yards defeated Joe Miller 452 yards
Ben Tuaone 436 yards defeated Aaron Mansfield 420 yards
Finals
Carl Wolter - 409 yards defeats Ben Tuaone 388 yards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CALISE RECEIVES LDA’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
ROANOKE, TEXAS (October 20, 2011) -- Long Drivers of America (LDA) will present veteran power golfer Ralph Calise with its “Live Long Lifetime Achievement Award” during the 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Calise, who resides in Hillsdale, N.J., has competed in the U.S. National Long Drive Championship or RE/MAX world finals in each of the past five decades. He is entered in the RE/MAX WLDC Masters Division (65+) this year.
Calise will be honored during a welcome reception in Mesquite, Nev. on Thursday, Oct. 27.
“We are pleased to recognize and salute one of long drive’s true pioneers,” said Art Sellinger, LDA owner and CEO. “Not only is Ralph a tremendous ambassador for our sport, he is highly regarded by his peers.”
LDA’s Live Long Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 2010; Obie Anderson, a retired law enforcement officer from Martinez, Calif., was the inaugural recipient.
Noted Sellinger: “Countless men and women have helped build our sport from the grass-roots level up. We intend to recognize over time individuals -- like Obie Anderson and Ralph Calise -- who have played an integral role in the success of the RE/MAX world finals, the LDA Tour, and long drive in general.”
When notified of his selection, Calise remarked: “I am overwhelmed and truly humbled by this distinctive award. Long drive has been a part of my life since I was five years old. My fellow competitors and I can never thank LDA and Art Sellinger enough for giving us a place to play. The RE/MAX world championship grid in Mesquite is a “Field of Dreams” for us.”
WITTER WILL APPEAR AT 2011 RE/MAX WLDC FINALS
Encore Performance For Trick-Shot Specialist
ROANOKE, TEXAS (October 19, 2011) – Famed trick-shot specialist Ben Witter will showcase his uncanny feats of hand-eye coordination and balance at the finals of the upcoming 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick’s Sporting Goods, Long Drivers of America (LDA) announced today.
“Ben will perform elements of his acclaimed Ben’s Power Golf show at noon on Friday, Nov. 4 at Mesquite (Nev.) Sports and Event Complex,” said LDA owner and chief executive Art Sellinger.
“We are thrilled to have Ben as our special guest in Mesquite and to have him launch our `Championship Friday’ activities,” Sellinger said. “Ben previously performed at the 2009 RE/MAX world finals and the response from sponsors and competitors was nothing short of stupendous.”
Sellinger noted that Witter, a competitive long drive who has been battling cancer in recent months, will participate in the pro-am tournament and sponsor functions as well. "Ben and his family are facing incredibly tough times medically. The LDA, its sponsors and players pray for a full recovery for both Ben and his daughter Gabbie"
To learn more about Ben visit: www.benspowergolf.com.
For more information on the championship visit www.longdrivers.com.
OR CONTACT:
Steve Wiley (682) 549-2105
VETERAN’S DAY:
GAVIN SEALS THE DEAL AT MILE HIGH SHOOTOUT
Canadian Jeff Gavin struck a blow for long drive veterans by claiming the Open Division title at the 2011 LDA Tour’s season-ending Mile High Shootout in Denver on September 17.
At age 43, Gavin is believed to be the oldest player to capture the Open Division title at an LDA Tour event. The win was the second for the resident of Mississauga, Ontario, who also was last man standing at the 2009 Desert Duel in Mesquite.
Gavin earned $12,000 for his dramatic victory on a wind-whipped day at the foothills of the Rockies marked by devilish conditions and dipping temperatures.
Mick Yelovich staked out the top seed for the Mile High match-play rounds by pacing the 8-hitter shootout with a drive of 373 yards. Defending Mile High Shootout champion Kevin Shook reached the shootout but failed to advance to match play.
Yelovich subsequently lost his semifinal match to fourth-seeded Carl Wolter, 366-361. The other semifinal produced an epic battle as the second-seeded Gavin edged the third-seeded Tim Burke, 384-383.
That same margin repeated itself in the finals, as Gavin nipped Wolter, 378-377.
During both match-play rounds, Gavin applied immediate pressure by posting a big number early and forcing his opponent to play catch up. Burke and Wolter each came close.
Earlier, David Mobley successfully defended his title in the Mile High Shootout’s Senior Division. Mobley bested Michael Dale, 394-374, earning a $2,000 check.
Other Senior Division competitors reaching the final four were James East and Lance Reader.
Paul Larson, Steve Monroe and Mitch McDowell in the Open Division and Lonnie White in the Senior Division earned exemptions into the 2011 RE/MAX world finals.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Mile High Shootout
Heritage at Westmoor GC
Westminster, Colorado
September 17
OPEN DIVISION
Quarterfinals (8 Hitters/Top 4 to Match Play):
Mick Yelovich – 373
Jeff Gavin – 370
Tim Burke – 369
Carl Wolter – 366
Ryan Steenberg – 365
Kevin Shook – 362
Maurice Allen – 361
Aaron Mansfield - 352
Semifinals (Match-Play):
Wolter def. Yelovich, 366-361
Gavin def. Burke, 384-383
Final (Match-Play):
Gavin def. Wolter, 378-377
SENIOR DIVISION
Semifinals (4 for 2):
Michael Dale 375
David Mobley 372
James East 348
Lance Reader OB
Finals:
Mobley def. Dale, 394-374
-30-
RE/MAX LAUNCHES THE 2011 WORLD LONG
DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIP - SOUTH AFRICA 
PRESS RELEASE
RE/MAX LAUNCHES 2011 WORLD LONG DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIP
RE/MAX of Southern Africa invites all long drivers and golfers to test their driving ability at the launch of the RE/MAX 2011 World Long Drive Championship. The first qualifying round of the championship will be held in conjunction with the RE/MAX charity golf day on 24 August at Zwartkop Country Club in Johannesburg.
The RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship is an annual golfing event which has been held in the USA and Canada for the past 15 years. Peter Gilmour, Chairman of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that the championship was successfully brought to the country for the first time in 1998 by RE/MAX of Southern Africa, and over the years, the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship has evolved from a low-key event to the premier grass-roots long driving event in the world. “The RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship is one that includes golfers from virtually every corner of the globe, and one whose finals are televised annually on ESPN and ESPN2,” he says.
Over the years longer and longer distances have also been recorded. “Whereas drives of 297 meters in the 1980s and early 1990s gave hitters a chance at making money, today's power hitters typically need to post at least 320 or 330 meters to advance in the qualifying rounds,” says Gilmour. “In 2008, the winning distances over the 13 events held locally were between 320 and 403 metres.”
South Africa was also well represented at the international event last year. Erik van der Walt of Pretoria won the South Africa 2010 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship at the national final held at Maritzburg Golf Club in Pietermaritzburg, with a drive of 362 metres. He went on to compete with other drivers at the Mesquite event although he was knocked out in the early rounds. Rynardt Combrinck, the 2008 South African champion, was placed second in the South African championships last year with a drive of 352.9 metres while Ryan Lowe finished third with a drive of 339 metres. Louw hit a distance of 414.4 yards (378.9 metres) in the World quarter finals last year, although he was knocked out during semi finals with a drive of 388 yards (354.79 metres). Louw also holds the record for the “highest ever ball speed recorded by Trackman” of 224.9 mph (361.94 km) and was placed fifth in the 2009 World Championship. The 2008 World Championship runner up, Dewald Gouws, came in fourth at the South African Championships last year with a drive of 320 metres. Ryan Louw and Dewald Gouws have both received exemptions to participate in this year’s event due to their performance in the 2010 World Finals.
This year’s South African champion will join others from 80 different countries to compete at the World Long Drive finals in Mesquite, Nevada in October. Aside from the qualifying round to be held on 24 August, other South African qualifying events will be held on 29 August at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club West Course and on 2 and 3 September at the Gardener Ross Golf and Country Estate course.
Make sure you participate or watch some of South Africa’s longest hitters in action as they compete for the top positions to secure their spots in the National Final shootout scheduled for 3 September at Gardener Ross.
Should you require any additional information, please contact Sandy Smith on 082 991 0687 or ssaneproject1@telkomsa.net
ISSUED BY SQUARED COMMUNICATIONS
ON BEHALF OF RE/MAX OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT WESLEY BARNARD AT
wesley@squaredcommunications.co.za
SPEED MERCHANT ALERT:
SELLINGER’S POWER GOLF INTRODUCES NEW
ADAMS SPEEDLINE 9088LDA DRIVER
ROANOKE, TEXAS (July 1, 2011) - Sellinger’s Power Golf, the retail and
etail arm of Long Drivers of America (LDA), announces the
much-anticipated arrival of the latest in the line of high-performance
Adams Speedline drivers -- the 9088LDA.
The Adams 9088LDA head, designed to accommodate the massive swing speeds
of competitive long drivers, conforms to USGA specifications. It may be
used effective immediately in LDA-sanctioned competition, including
local qualifying for the 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship
Powered By Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The Adams 9088LDA head has been in development for over nine months and
has generated tremendous buzz. The head has been tested by RE/MAX world
long drive champions Jamie Sadlowski and Bobby Wilson, among others
Adams Long Drive Team members, with great results.
The 9088LDA model’s advanced aerodynamic design produces stable
acceleration of the club-head through impact. Its deep, generous face is
square at address. Lie angles can be tweaked upright and flat to add
draw or fade enhancement.
The 9088LDA head is stamped with either 5-6-7 degrees of loft, but may
be adjusted to anywhere from 4 degrees to 8 degrees of loft, depending
on personal preference.
Sellinger’s Power Golf is the exclusive distributor of the Adams
Speedline 9088LDA. To review the product or place an order at the
introductory price of $279.99 (head only), go to www.sellingerspowergolf.com or contact Michael Nelson of SPG at (682) 549-2102.
LDA ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR 2011 RE/MAX WLDC FINALS
2011-06-22
LDA ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR 2011 RE/MAX WLDC FINALS
REGISTRATION DEADLINES LOOM FOR RE/MAX BUY-IN DIVISIONS, LDA POWER ACADEMY
AND FINAL TWO 2011 TOUR EVENTS
ROANOKE, TEXAS (June 21, 2011)Long Drivers of America (LDA) announced
a tentative schedule of events for the finals of the 2011 RE/MAX World
Long Drive Championship Powered By Dicks Sporting Goods.
LDA officials noted a final schedule for the premier event in power golf
will be confirmed and announced shortly after registration for the 2011
RE/MAX WLDCs five buy-in divisions closes on July 15.
Were releasing a tentative schedule at this time to allow many
competitors to go ahead and make their travel arrangements to and from
Mesquite, Nevada, noted Michael Ambriz, LDAs executive vice president
and general manager.
The tentative 2011 RE/MAX WLDC schedule of events at Mesquite Sports and Event Complex is as follows:
October 26-28 - Buy-in Division Elimination Rounds/Finals;
October 29-30 Open/Senior Last Chance Qualifying;
October 31: Senior Division Elimination Rounds;
November 1 - Open Division Elimination Rounds;
November 2 - Open Division Elimination Rounds;
November 3 Open Division and Senior Division Elimination Rounds Down to TV finalists (ESPN Filming Begins);
November 4 Championship Rounds (ESPN3.com LIVE coverage) 1-4pm Pacific Time.
Buy-In Divisions
With roughly one month remaining in the registration period for the five
RE/MAX buy-in divisions, the following long drivers (in alphabetical
order) have signed up:
Super Seniors (50+):
Roy Alminas
George Banks
Nayo Garcia
Mike Gorton
Robert Kaindl
Greg Lucas
Frank Miller
Kim Shearburn
Greg Walker
Kevin Wolfe
Grand Champions (55+):
Mike Gorton
Matt Schulten
Kim Shearburn
Mike Kiefer
Legends (60+):
Les Muramoto
Ed Sanchez
Dixon Spear
Rick Twist
Doyle Wilson
Masters (65+):
Ralph Calise
Ron Dyer
John Joseph
Ladies (all ages):
Sandra Carlborg
Lana Lawless
Brenda Prudham
Each of the five divisions must have a minimum of eight (8) hitters for
the competition to take place. The entry fee for the buy-in divisions is
$800, payable at the time of registration.
Deadlines Looming
In addition to the July 15 deadline to register for 2011 RE/MAX WLDC
buy-in divisions, other deadlines of special interest to power golfers
are approaching. They include:
LDA Power Academy
Thackerville, Oklahoma
Sept. 11-14
Registration Closes: August 12
Late Registration Opens: August 15
To Register: (888) 233-4654
(682) 549-2105
LDAs 2011 Keystone Shootout
Greenville, Pennsylvania
August 14 (Sunday)
Registration Opens: Friday, June 24 (noon ET)
Entry Fee: $650 to July 22, $800 until Aug. 5 close
Register Online: "http://www.b-igolf.com" www.b-igolf.com
Contact: gwen.mcallister@gaedc.org
LDAs 2011 Mile High Shootout
Westminster, Colorado
September 17 (Saturday)
Registration Opens: TBA
Registration Closes: TBA
Complete information on all LDA-sanctioned events, including local and
regional qualifying sites for the 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive
Championship Powered By Dicks Sporting Goods, is available at www.longdrivers.com
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HAIR CLIPS ELITE FIELD AT TENNESSEE SHOOTOUT!Earns First LDA Tour Title Canadian professional golfer Houston Hair made just his fourth start on the LDA Tour an especially memorable one.
Undeterred by an OB in the first round, the 28-year-old resident of Vancouver, British Columbia kept his poise and worked his way through the loser’s bracket of LDA’s 2011 Tennessee Shootout to reach the 16-hitter semifinals.
Hair’s drive of 384 yards in the semis was enough to secure one of eight spots in the finals. There he faced an elite group that included 2010 Tennessee Shootout champion Kyle Blakely, 2011 Alligator Alley Shootout winner Landon Gentry, 2004 RE/MAX world champion David Mobley and Ryan Winther, who in the semis had unleashed the longest drive (415 yards) of the event.
In no mood to compare resumes with the other seven finalists, Hair let his Krank Rage driver with a House Of Forged shaft do the talking. The former professional ice hockey player launched a 389-yard drive, enough to provide a three-yard cushion over runner-up Ben Tuaone (386).
Hair’s first check on LDA’s power golf circuit was a juicy one -- $10K. Tuaone earned $5,250 and, along with semifinalist Mick Yelovich, secured a spot at the 2011 RE/MAX world finals in Mesquite.
Mobley, two months shy of his 46th birthday, showed he can still mix it up with the kids. He uncorked a 383-yard drive to claim third place, earning $4,750 for the effort.
That raised Mobley’s career earnings at LDA Tour events to over $64,000. He leapfrogged Danny Luirette and Greg Wellong and now stands fourth on the all-time list. Only Carl Wolter, Dave Gureckis and Brian Pavlet have earned more than Mobley, who is among the favorites to snatch the RE/MAX senior world title this fall.
Kevin Bullard, who ranks ninth in LDA Tour career earnings, pocketed $4,200 for a fourth (372). Gentry, who finished fifth (371), collected $3,700 and increased his 2011 earnings to $19,700, tops on tour through four of six stops.
The Keystone Shootout (August) and Mile High Shootout (September) remain on the 2011 LDA Tour schedule.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
June 9-10 - Tennessee Shootout - Greeneville, Tennessee.
Finals
Kevin Bullard 372
David Mobley 383
Landon Gentry 371
Houston Hair 389
Justin Moose OB
Ben Tuaone 386
Kyle Blakely 363
Ryan Winther OB
Longest ball
Ryan Winther, 415
RE/MAX WLDC exemptions:
Ben Tuaone
Mick Yelovich
SHOOK WINS WET AND WILD TEXAS SHOOTOUTCaptures Second LDA Tour Title On an unseasonably raw day in Dallas, with showers and thunderstorms weaving their way around the North Texas plains, Kevin Shook emerged as last man standing at LDA’s 2011 Texas Shootout.
Shook uncorked a 435-yard drive in the match-play finals against Mike Dobbyn on Sunday, May 1 to snare the $10,000 first prize.
The win was Shook’s second in his last four LDA Tour starts. The real estate investor from Brandenton, Florida also captured LDA’s 2010 season-ending Mile High Shootout last September.
Moments earlier, in a semifinal match with Kevin Bullard, Dobbyn unleashed the longest drive of the tournament, 438 yards. But the 2011 Mesquite Shootout champion’s bid for a second tour title this season was short-circuited by Shook.
Dobbyn’s $6,000 payday lifted him into a tie with Landon Gentry at the top of the 2011 money list through three events.
Each has earned $16K.
Shook stands third with $12K and change.
Rain forced a brief delay to the start of play at City Pointe Golf Center. With radar screens dotted by squall lines and bands of precipitation, LDA officials opted to streamline the Texas Shootout format to single-elimination with hopes they could squeegee in a full event.
Modifications included making Round One a 10-ball set with a 5:00 time limit.
The parade of 16 hitters who advanced from Round One included Tim Burke, who had the longest ball in the first stanza with 435 yards. Others at the far end of the spectrum were Bullard and Mike Carlson (429) and Jeff Crittenden (428).
Burke posted a big number again in Round Two, securing his spot in the quarterfinals with a drive of 434 yards. Only Kyle Blakely (436) eclipsed Burke in the second stanza.
Other monster hits were manufactured by Maurice Allen (428), Shook (426), Dobbyn (425) and Brooks Baldwin (424).
In the round of eight, Shook’s drive of 428 yards earned him top seed for the match-play rounds while Bullard’s 420 merited the second seed.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Texas Shootout
Dallas, Texas
May 1, 2011
Final:
Kevin Shook (1) def. Mike Dobbyn (3), 435-406
Semifinals:
Shook def. Jon Bjelland (4), 426-418
Dobbyn def. Kevin Bullard, 438-399
Quarterfinals (8 hitters, 4 advance):
Jon Bjelland 416 (4)
Kevin Bullard 420 (2)
Brooks Baldwin OB
Mike Dobbyn 417 (3)
Kevin Shook 428 (1)
Kyle Blakely 376
Maurice Allen 396
Tim Burke 360
Longest ball- Mike Dobbyn, 438
RE/MAX WLDC exemptions:
Maurice Allen
Jon Bjelland
Cody Bryant
Chad Klein
EIGHT IS ENOUGH
LDA ANNOUNCES REVISIONS FOR 2011 RE/MAX WLDC BUY-IN DIVISIONS
ROANOKE, TEXAS (April 8, 2011) – Long Drivers of America (LDA) today announced revisions to the structure of the 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick’s Sporting Goods.
LDA officials said competition in five non-qualifying, or buy-in, divisions will take in Mesquite, Nevada in late October if a minimum of eight (8) competitors enter during the registration period, which extends from mid-April to mid-July.
The five RE/MAX WLDC buy-in divisions are: Super Seniors (50+); Grand Champions (55+); Legends (60+); Masters (65+); Ladies (all ages).
“If a buy-in division meets the minimum number of eight entries, game on,” said Art Sellinger, LDA’s owner and chief executive officer. “Competition in these buy-in divisions will take place at Mesquite Sports and Event Complex during the last week of October, tentatively around October 26 through 28. We’ll have the schedule of events finalized and in place by the first of August. We’ll also announce prize money for buy-in divisions at that time.”
Entry fees for RE/MAX WLDC buy-in divisions will be $800 per competitor, Sellinger noted.
Registration for buy-in divisions will open on Monday, April 11 at 9am CDT and will close on Friday, July 15 at 5pm CDT. Entry fees must be paid when registering.
Sellinger added: "Competition in each of the RE/MAX buy-in divisions will be completed in a single day. We’ll go straight from elimination rounds on through the match-play finals and crown world champions in each buy-in division immediately following the conclusion of play.”
Meanwhile, local qualifiers currently are underway across North America in the two RE/MAX WLDC qualifying divisions – Open and Senior (45+). Entry fees are $40 per try.
A complete list of dates and sites for 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship local qualifiers is available here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Wiley ((682) 549-2105 or
Russ Pate (817) 819-4547
GENTRY’S TOP GUN AT 2011 ALLIGATOR ALLEY SHOOTOUTFloridian Notches First LDA Tour Win
Even before the 42-hitter field assembled in South Florida for LDA’s 2011 Alligator Alley Shootout on April 2, some observers of the long drive scene surmised the last man standing would be a native of the Sunshine State.
Who better to handle the stifling heat and humidity, they reasoned.
Leave it to Landon Gentry, who resides upstate in Jacksonville, to give credence to the Floridian supposition. Gentry smashed a winning drive of 381 yards at Heron Bay Golf Club in Coral Springs to claim the $10,000 first prize.
It was the 27-year-old Gentry’s first LDA Tour title. Few believe it will be his last.
“It’s a relief, really,” Gentry said about his win. “I’ve been knocking on the door for a long time, so it feels really good to get over the hump.”
Gentry, who works in the food distribution business, swung a 6.5 Krank Rage driver with a 3X House of Forged Prototype shaft.
A model of consistency, Gentry has cashed in six straight tour events, dating back to the 2010 Tennessee Shootout where he finished second to Kyle Blakely.
Gentry’s consecutive trips to the pay window also include a second to Mike Dobbyn at the 2011 LDA Tour’s season-opening Mesquite Shootout.
Having pocketed $16,000 in two starts, Gentry sits atop the 2011 LDA Tour money list.
Ryan Winther’s 375-yard blast in the six-hitter shootout round earned the rising star from North California a runner-up finish, while Jeff Crittenden’s 370-yard poke was good for third.
Kevin Shook, another Floridian mentioned prominently in pre-tournament talk, collected $1,000 for posting the longest drive of the tournament.
Shook smoked a drive of 389 yards in round two.
Claiming exemptions to the 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick’s Sporting Goods were Mike Carlson and Jeff Briggs, who finished seventh and eighth, respectively.
Also of note was Gerard Pera’s reaching the round of 12, the best tour finish to date for a Spaniard.
Next up on the 2011 LDA Tour schedule is the Texas Shootout at City Pointe Driving Range in Dallas on Sunday, May 1.
Registration for the Texas Shootout remains open through April 15. Call (888) 233-4654 for details.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Alligator Alley Shootout
Coral Springs, Fla.
April 2, 2011
1- Landon Gentry, 381
2- Ryan Winther, 375
3- Jeff Crittenden, 370
4- Justin Moose, 366
5- Kyle Blakely, 365
6- Kevin Shook, 359
Longest ball- Kevin Shook 389
RE/MAX WLDC exemptions:
Mike Carlson
Jeff Briggs
DOBBYN WINS 2011 MESQUITE SHOOTOUT
2011-03-07
Former world long drive champion Mike Dobbyn captured the first event on the 2011 Long Drivers of America (LDA) Tour, the Mesquite Shootout in Mesquite, Nev., on Sunday, March 6.
Dobbyn, a California native and Las Vegas resident, bested Landon Gentry 396-383 in a head-to-head showdown at Mesquite Sports and Event Complex.
Dobbyn, who swung a Krank Rage 5-degree driver with a House of Forged HD Prototype shaft and JumboMax grip, earned $10,000 for the win.
It was Dobbyn's first tour title since the Tulsa event in 2004. He earned LDA rookie-of-the year honors that season, then captured the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship, the premier event in power golf, in 2007.
The Mesquite Shootout title brings Dobbyn, who struggled for a couple of seasons after claiming long drive's top prize, back full circle. "This is a huge step for me toward getting back to where I want to be, which is being competitive in every event," he said.
Gentry, who hails from Florida and who earned $6,000 for his runner-up finish, secured the top seed for the Mesquite Shootout match-play rounds by pounding a drive of 416 yards in the quarterfinals (results below).
Gentry then clipped fourth-seeded Ryan Winther 424-421 in one semifinal while Dobbyn, the third seed, toppled second-seeded Brooks Baldwin 409-OB in the other semifinal.
Next up on the 2011 LDA Tour schedule is the Alligator Alley Shootout at Heron Bay Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida on Saturday, April 2.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Mesquite Shootout
Mesquite, Nev.
March 6, 2011
Quarterfinals:
(8 for 4 spots in Match-Play Rounds)
Patrick Hopper 397
Charlie Hamrick 398
Kevin Shook 397
Brooks Baldwin 411
Kevin Bullard 390
Landon Gentry 416
Ryan Winther 402
Mike Dobbyn 404
Semifinals:
Gentry (1) def. Winther (4), 424-421
Dobbyn (3) def. Baldwin (2), 409-OB
Final:
Dobbyn (3) def. Gentry (1), 396-383
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LDA ANNOUNCES 2011 RE/MAX WORLD LONG DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIP DETAILS
FINALS ON NOV. 4 IN MESQUITE, NEVADA
ROANOKE, TEXAS (Jan. 13, 2011) – Long Drivers of America (LDA) today announced that the finals of the 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered By Dick’s Sporting Goods will take place at Mesquite Sports and Event Complex in Mesquite, Nev. on Friday, November 4.
LDA officials said the 2011 RE/MAX WLDC, the premier event in power golf, will consist of two qualifying divisions – Open and Senior (45+) – and four buy-in divisions – Super Seniors (50+), Grand Champions (55+), Legends (60+) and Ladies (all ages).
For Open Division and Senior Division competitors, entry fees at an anticipated 100-plus U.S. local qualifying sites will be $40 per try. Entry fees at ten U.S. regional finals will be $75 for LDA members and $150 for nonmembers.
For the four buy-in divisions, entry fees will be $800 per competitor. LDA officials indicated that each of the four buy-in divisions must have a minimu
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