2004 NEWS ITEMS
LDE ADOPTS 50" LIMIT ON CLUB LENGTH
Beginning in 2005, golf clubs used in Long Drivers of Europe (LDE) competition may not exceed 50 inches in length, using a standard vertical measurement.
Using LDE's method of measurement, which is to hold the club upright and measure from its soleplate to the butt end of the grip, LDE's 50-inch limit on length equates to the USGA's 48-inch limit.
LDE will adopt this new policy in response to the United States Golf Association's decision to limit clubs to a maximum of 48 inches, and following Long Drivers of America (LDA) announcing their intention to comply with these regulations.
All clubs used in LDE events conform with USGA rules on COR (.830 maximum) and club head size (460cc maximum). LDE also abides by the USGA's 4" limit on tees.
LDE constantly battles against the stigma that long drivers compete with souped-up, illegal clubs. The reality, however, is that prodigious distances achieved in LDE competition -- typically 330-360 metres, -- are the result of LDE competitors being well-conditioned athletes with fundamentally sound golf swings who combine remarkable hand-eye coordination with explosiveness.
Added: 10 November 2004
RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship 2004
Long Drivers of Europe entered a record number of players for this years RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship in Mesquite Nevada. With four players from Sweden, two from England and two from Ireland the European contingent were there in force to take on the mighty Americans.
Mesquite is a purpose built casino and golf resort in the desert 70 miles north of Las Vegas and has become the home for the last ten years of long driving. With over 350 players qualifying from 11 countries this year's entry was the largest ever. Europe made up the second largest contingent after the vastly stronger North Americans.
Fantastic fact: From 350+ players there were over 6500 clubs checked in for conformity! Jason Zuback for example had 44 drivers in his two bags!
Fact: In the first year of the competition ten years ago there were just over 50 competitors, this year Long Drivers of America had more staff than that!
Fact: In an area which normally receives just 1 inch of rain a year a reported 5 inches fell in the championship week.
The story of the Europeans, Great performances in difficult conditions.The ever changing weather from high tail winds to torrential rain to warm sunshine was the winner this week.
OPEN DIVISION
Mikael Lindblom, Sweden
6th R1, 320 yards
2nd R3, 365 yards
7th R4 (out) 355 yardsChristian Sterning, Sweden
4th R1, 362 yards
4th R2, 359 yards
6th R4, (out) 359 yardsJohan Tumba, Sweden
7th R1, 366 yards
3rd R3, (out) 374 yardsEmil Hygrell, Sweden
5th R1, 402 yards
2nd R3, 350 yards
7th R4, (out) 382 yardsWilliam Hunt-Tyrrell, Ireland
8th R1, 393 yards
4th R3, (out) 312 yardsPaul Slater, England
4th R1, 380 yards
2nd R2, 374 yards
3rd R5, 345 yards
6th Quarter final, (out) 342 yards.SENIOR DIVISION
John Conroy, Ireland
4th R3 (out) 287 yardsLADIES DIVISION
Kathryn Massey, England
1st in group in R3 288 yards
out in R4Fantastic performance from Paul Slater from Warrington. Although current European Champion, he was not everyone's favourite to do well on the huge World Finals grid. Paul often hits a high percentage of balls straight but in a sport where only one drive from six counts as the players score the saying is that if you get more than two balls from six in the grid you are not trying hard enough!
At last Paul should receive the recognition he deserves, battling through four rounds of the hardest competition, (even beating the legendary, 4 times world champion, Jason Zuback). This was Paul's second appearance in the finals and he gets stronger with every drive. Paul seems to have the ability to adapt his game to suit the conditions and can often come good in weather conditions that upset the drives of his opponents.
The Open final itself was won by the ever popular David Mobley from North Carolina with a drive of 377 yards. David is currently number two on this year LDA money list and has been in the World finals for several years. Many of the fancied players went out in the early rounds. 2000 champion Viktor Johannson lost in R4, no.5 on the money list Dave Gureckis didn't make it past R4 as did Sean Fister (2001 Champ).
This illustrates the monumentally high standard of the field and that no one's place in the later rounds is assured. It also shows how well the Europeans did on what for most was their first appearance in the finals. 2002 Champion, Carl Wolter came second in the final. Last years champion, Clayton Burger, could not defend his title due to a back injury.
The longest drives of the tournament came in the early rounds when weather conditions were more settled, with lengths of over 400 yards (longest 426 yards) being the norm.
Overall, the Europeans created a great impression and left the Americans looking over their shoulders for the future.
Added: 2 November 2004
LDE ENTERTAINS RE/MAX BROKERS
October 29th Marbella, Spain : RE/MAX Long Drive Exhibition
October Sunshine brought with it a powerful display of Long Driving by three members of LDE in Marbella, Spain. Chris Roberts, Janos Uotila, and Phil Naylor exhibited their talents to brokers of RE/MAX Spain at the Marbella International Golf School.
Before the exhibition got underway Phil Naylor was on hand to provide the Brokers with some of the hints, tips and secrets that carried him to victory in the RE/MAX Ireland Long Drive Championship. Despite not speaking Spanish Phil was able to translate some pretty mean drives from the RE/MAX brokers and the language barrier didn't stop the brokers imitating the unique pre-shot routine that has made Phil recognizable around the globe. (Eammon Darcy on Speed!!)
Janos Uotila provided some trick shot spectacles; hitting drives over 300yds off his knees and with one hand behind his back. Highlighting the fact that Long Drivers not only have power but oodles of skill.
With the coaching over and the brokers ready to see what has made this sport the talk of the town Janos, Chris and Phil entered in to a competition along with the RE/MAX Brokers. This provided some excellent viewing for the galleries, and with some talented, local long drivers this relaxed affair turned very competitive.
With distances reaching the 390yd mark competitors and spectators alike were buzzing with excitement. When it came to the final round, Chris Roberts, Janos Uotila, Phil Naylor, Sergio and Salva all showed why Long Drivers are a unique breed. Effortless distance graced the final and Chris Roberts from Wales showed why he is the new kid on the block by winning the RE/MAX Spain Exhibition with a final round drive of 379yds.
A very big thank you must go to RE/MAX Spain for endorsing this exhibition and in particular Elena Roldan de la Cruz for all of the hard work that she put in to this great event.
Added: 1 November 2004
WILLIAM HUNT-TYRRELL THROUGH TO WORLD FINALS
Congratulations to William Hunt-Tyrrell on his qualification for the RE/MAX 2004 World Finals!
After narrowly missing out on qualification from The RE/MAX European Order of Merit, William travelled to America and competed in the District 2 Section at The Palms Golf Course in Mesquite, Nevada on 18th September 2004.
In a strong field qualification was secured with a best drive of 408 yards.
Team Europe is now 8 strong - best wishes and good luck to all players in this year's RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship.
Check out William's Play Profile for further information.
Added: 27 September 2004
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