The inaugural Long Drive World Series, delivered on its promise to be one of golf’s greatest new shows with its first event, this past weekend, Friday, 17 March at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ European Tour Performance Institute – attracting a bumper crowd of over 1000 spectators with an exciting atmosphere both on and off the green.
SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR HIGHLIGHTS
Two-time long drive World Champion, American Tim Burke took top spot, and the lion’s share of the £50,000 event prize fund in the first event of the new series, narrowly edging out wildcard and fellow finalist and countryman, Ryan Reisbeck in a nail-biting contest that saw Burke clear 335 yards, 5.5 yards over Reisbeck’s longest drive of 329.5 yards. The final came after hours of competition that saw 10 competitors – eight pros and two wildcards – narrowed to eight through seeding, followed by two thrilling rounds, and a third place match, ahead of the nail-biting final.
Champion Tim Burke, who travelled overseas for the first time for the event, said that while wind conditions made for some tough competition, he was delighted with the event and outcome: “The conditions were pretty tough with the wind so I was having to hit it more of a flight shot with less spin on the golf ball but I got it done and had a blast. The Long Drive World Series is definitely taking golf in a different direction, to the next level. I’m super excited to see where it goes.”
Along with Burke and Reisbeck, those also competing were 2016, and two-time World Champion, Joe Miller; 2016 World Champion Runner-Up, Ryan Steenberg; two-time and current European Tour Champion, Maurice Allen; UK Champion, Lucas Dornan; European Winner, Ilija Djurdjevic; Scandinavian Champion; Emil Rosberg; and Italian Champion Brad Pearmain. Dubai-based amateur Ricky Dominguez took the first of two wildcards that were up for grabs through a smash hit of 351.7 yards on the X-Golf simulator at eGolfMegastore, while the second wildcard went to eventual finalist Reisbeck through open qualifiers held on Thursday, 16 March at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Third place in the event, went to Emil Rosberg, who edged out World Champion, Joe Miller for a podium finish.
Along with the long drive action on the green, the energetic and cheering crowds were also treated to Live DJs, pyrotechnics, food trucks as well as a surprise Long Drive challenge between Ryder Cup star Rafa Cabrera Bello and UK Long Drive champ, Lucas Dornan.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better kick-off to the Long Drive World Series,” said Jay Boisvert, Managing Director of the Long Drive World Series. “All of our competitors, wildcards and pros alike, put on a spectacular show for our Dubai fans, who were outstanding. The Dubai event has definitely set the stage for the next events in the Series and we’re looking forward to growing both the Series and the sport.”
The format of the Long Drive World Series event is designed to have crowds on the edge of their seats and deliver some real upsets with sudden death knockouts and head to head battles, as well as the unknown challenge of two wildcard places.
“The Long Drive World Series is really about opening up long drive and golf to more people, both as fans as well as competitors,” added Boisvert. “As Ryan Reisbeck illustrated this past weekend, the sport is open to keen Long Drivers who can turn up and find themselves going head to head with some of the world’s best. The event, its format and of course, our fans make for a really fun event for everyone, competitors and fans alike.”
The Dubai stop on the Long Drive World Series will be followed by events throughout 2017 in the UK, Asia and the United States. The Long Drive World Series is sponsored by MJS Capital, Watches of Switzerland, Tempus Media, Vermana Private Jets and YIPS Golf.
Full highlights below:
