REMAX EUROPEAN LONG DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006

RE/MAX LONG DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIP OF BENELUX
27TH AUGUST 2006
AMSTERDAMSE BOS, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Swede Edblad Lives Up To His Promise

One of the best supporters of the European Tour, Sweden’s Marcus Edblad at last showed why he is one of the top long drivers in the world in the spectacular setting of Amsterdamse Bos.

Breaking with the convention of holding long drive competitions at a golf course, Jules VanMarken, a veteran of the PGA tour, laid the groundwork for what was this year’s most impressive setting in Amsterdam’s main public park. Torrential rain on the days preceding the event could not mar the fantastic setting, made even more spectacular by the large grandstands and hospitality areas, which were full for most of the day.

The morning session saw a capacity field of first-timers, who had qualified from many local events, battling through to meet the tour players in the afternoon’s knock-out stages. In the ladies division local girl, Vhari Carruthers and Dane Anne-Mette Ellekaer battled against last year’s European Champion, Jessica Wallstrom, with Jessica only just living up to her reputation as top driver by 12 metres.

In a strong Seniors entry local man Henk VanDen Berg triumphed over fellow countrymen Eby Douma and Paul Schotten to qualify for the Dublin Euro finals.

A strong headwind, coupled with the soaking wet grid, meant that distances were never going to be huge for the Open Division. Nevertheless, the maximum field of competitors recorded some fine performances. Chief among these were the 282 metres (315 yds) plus distances blasted by Adam Stacey (England), Marcus Edblad (Sweden) and Janos Uotila (Finland). Reigning Euro Champion, Joe Miller struggled to find the grid with his first round but sent a Pinnacle scorching to 297m (330yds) in the last chance round.

In the final it was the usual established players plus rookie Robbert Loesberg contesting for the top honour. Daniel Konyk set the standard at 288m followed a couple of players later by the longest drive of the day from Marcus Edblad. Marcus has been struggling all year to capture his 2005 form and looks like he has timed things right for Dublin. Last man, Stacey, could only manage 289m for second place.

This was a superb event, thanks to the efforts of Jules and his assistants and sponsors, and one which was greatly appreciated by all participants.

In the Order of Merit table it looks good for Uotila, needing just two more points for a place in the World Finals. The other place looks to be between Edblad and Tumba although they are being challenged by Lindblom and Miller. All will be revealed at the final round in Ireland.

Results:

OPEN DIVISION
1st - Marcus Edblad (SWE) - 298
2nd - Adam Stacey (ENG) - 289
3rd - Daniel Konyk (ENG) - 288

SENIORS DIVISION
1st - H van den Berg (NED) - 238
2nd - Eby Douma (NED) - 237

LADIES DIVISION
1st - Jessica Wallstrom (SWE) - 229
2nd - Vhari Carruthers (NED) - 217
3rd - Anne-Mette Ellekaer (DEN) 187

HI-TEC CDT POWER Longest Drive of the Day Winner
Marcus Edblad - 298 metres

HI-TEC CDT CUSTOM COMFORT Zone Winner
Leon Ratapu

For Full Results sheet in PDF Format - click HERE

To RETURN to main Results Page - click HERE