2 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - JULY 2019
Editor: Luis Kuronya luiskuronya@latinogmg.com
Contributors:
Jeff Gilder , World Long Drive Association, European LD Games, Stephen Van Zyl, German Long Drive and Canada Amateur Long Drive & The International LD Challenge.
Social Media
A special thanks to our friends on social networks, sharing information and images.
- The European hitters continue the battle and will have the grand final in Germany. WE want to congratulate Robin Horvath for their effort and dedication classifying the WLD. - "The Grid Outlaws" Pro's & Amateurs better every event increasing the number of hitters. Congrats! - At the amateur level the ALD is in the final competitions for the Championship next month in Myrtle Beach. - We celebrate our 12 editions! Wow, one year now! - Rochester, hosting the World Long Drive is a beautiful city with culture and attractions. - Japanese hitters battling for the place in the WLD final. - Thanks to the World Long Drive and Golf Channel for the great event. We continue to grow this wonderful sport!!
Sources:
We join the Long Drive Show !!
World Lond Drive, European Long Drive Association, Amateur Long Drive, German Long Drive, Latinoamerica Golf Management Group and Grid Outlaws.
Luis Kuronya Executive Director
The text, opinions and views expressed
within this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions or the official policies of the editor and publisher. Products and services mentioned in this publication may be trademarks of their respective companies. Reproduction in whole or in part is authorized mentioning the source.
JULY 2019 Vol. 2 No. 12
CopyrightŠ 2018 International Long Drive P.O Box 111 Greer SC 29650 info@latinogmg.com - www.latinogmg.com
JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 5
JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 7
8 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - JULY 2019
JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 9
10 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - JULY 2019
The regular season Event #4 of the German Long Drive Championship took place at the British Army Golf Club Sennelager near Paderborn. The German long drive professional Martin Borgmeier won Division 2 on Saturday versus Dom Musetti (GBR). Steve Vandebos (BEL) took away the win in the battle for bronze against the amateur Lasse Geertsen (GER). On Sunday the battle for Division 1 went down between the both German long drive professional Robin Horvath and Martin Borgmeier. Robin Horvath – The Hungarian Hulk – prevailed against his opponent and won the final match. Paul Woodcock from England take third and Dewald Lubbe from South Africa fourth place. Robin Horvath hit the longest ball of the weekend with a driving distance of 417,6 yards. Congratulations to All and the Organization !!
JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 11
For more info: www.worldlongdrive.com
JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 13
The battle for World Number One ranking in the ALD™ Open Men’s division (and overall) has been a good one. After being taken down by Will Cashin a few weeks ago, Mark Brown played his way back to the top….but only by 50 points last week. As of the date of this publication, both players have at least one more event left on their respective home league schedules. Cashin has another shot at the July 27th Canada GTA event at Southern Pines Golf Club in Hamilton, Ontario. ALD™ Canada events have been well attended by some great talent, especially in the Open Men’s division. So Cashin has a very good opportunity to “Cash In” on the number one spot by finishing on or near the top in that event. The competition in that series has been tight as Matt Kindou continues to put up some great numbers closing in on the season’s final home series event. Mark Brown has two opportunities (1 in the Coastal Carolinas League & 1 in the Western Carolinas League) to gain some points, but will most likely only play one event. Matt Kindou is certainly in position with a chance to win this race for World #1. All three hitters have already qualified for the Worlds through one or more of the *Five Pathways to the ALD™ Worlds, but don’t be surprised to see one or all three in the Last Chance Qualifier August 15th in Myrtle Beach just for the opportunity to get double points and solidify the spot as World #1 going into the August 16th & 17th ALD™ World Championship in Myrtle Beach, SC. The player with the most overall points for the series will get their entry fees paid (reimbursed) into the ALD™ World Championship. The Open division continues to produce the most points across the series due to size of the fields in that 14 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - JULY 2019
division. Points gained at the World Championship will determine who ultimately ends up on top with bragging rights to the spot….at least until the first event of the 2019/2010 season when the World Ranking Points system resets. Open Women's Division Cortney Porro sits atop the Open Women’s division by a slim margin over Western Carolinas League teammate, Michelle Scanlan. Kelly Rudney is right there in third place. All three hitters have opportunities to earn additional points this season before the LCQ. Senior Division Todd Baxley is in control of the Senior Men’s division points heading into the close of the regular season, but don’t be surprised to see him competing at the LCQ to sure up his shot to remain World #1 in the Senior Men’s division. *Five Pathways to the ALD™ Worlds. – Players may advance to the world championship: 1. World Ranking; 2. League / Series Division Championship; 3. Regional Major Division Win; 4. Competition Performance Index (CPI – Points x events); and 5. Wildcards. Five Events Left – Three Regular Season, LCQ, and ALD™ Worlds As the 2018/2019 season winds down, there are five more regular season events on the schedule. ALD™ Canada has one more left in the GTA Series at Southern Pines Golf Club in Hamilton, Ontario on July 27th. The Western Carolinas League has one event left at Spring Park Range in Travelers Rest, SC on the 27th, and the Coastal Carolinas League will finish their regular season in Bolivia, NC at Carolina National on the 28th. These remaining events have potential implications on the standings for local (league / series) and World Ranking.
Midwestern Regional Justice at Jester Park Presented by EK Golf The Midwestern Regional Qualifier, Justice at Jester Park presented by EK Golf was held July 13th in Granger Iowa. Competitors in Open Men, Senior Men, and Super Senior Men competed for the transfer to the ALD™ Worlds. Trey Gilliland came out on top in the Open Men’s division in extra sets beating Bret Marin (356 to 349) on the sixth and last ball of the event. Shannon Dullum won the Senior Men’s division with a drive of 294 yards, and Richard Flanagan won the Super Senior Division with a drive of 303 yards. JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 15
2019 ALD™ World Championship Presented by MyrtleBeachGolf.com & Short Par 4
The 2019 ALD™ World Championship Presented by MyrtleBeachGolf.com and Sort Par 4 will be held at Barefoot Resort & Golf Friday and Saturday August 16th and 17th. All competition and championship rounds will be played on those two days beginning at 10 AM Friday. See the entire (preliminary) ALD™ World Championship Schedule at www.amateurlongdrive.com
New ALD™ Territories, Leagues, and Majors for 2019/2020 ALD™ India
ALD™ has reached an agreement to bring the ALD™ Championship Series to India for the 2019/2010 season. More details will released prior to the beginning of the new season. Plans are to create a series of events in the coming season with competitors playing their way to the 2020 ALD™ Worlds.
In the USA
ALD™ hitters may add San Diego, CA, Sacramento, CA, and Maryland as new competition opportunities. There are discussions in process regarding at least 3 more leagues (Los Angles, CA, Nebraska, and Kentucky).
Dates for Two Majors Confirmed
The first Major of the new season will be October 12th at Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton, NY. This Northeastern Regional Qualifier will be conducted in partnership with Traveled Events, LLC with the goal of creating ALD™ Leagues throughout the Northeastern USA. An agreement has been reached and plans have begun for the first Southeastern Regional Qualifier January 25th at Pompano Beach Golf Club in Pompano Beach, FL. Getting this date confirmed leaves two, possibly three more to be determined. ALD™ is specifically working to create a Major in Northwestern USA and Texas for the coming season. Other areas are also being considered.
Lodging and Other Activities For ALD™ Championship Weekend
All those planning to attend the ALD™ Worlds may take advantage of Championship Weekend Lodging Deals at www.amateurlongdrive.com. The addition of www.MyrtleBeachGolf.com as Presenting Sponsor for the event adds several more lodging options including a full range of ocean-front choices. All attendees should plan to arrive by Thursday night August 15th for the Championship Weekend Welcome Party at House of Blues. Friday’s competition will be followed by Championship Pre-Party at Lulus. The Awards Ceremony will take place on the Tee Box Saturday evening after the Open Finals followed by the Championship After-party at Putters Pub just 10 yards behind the Tee Box.
Age 4 To 77 – #FamilyLongDrive
This season has seen competitors on the tee from age four to seventy-seven. Four year old Langston Josue is the youngest hitter to compete and seventy-seven year old Donald bunting is the oldest. We’ve had one occasion of three generations on the tee (Grandfather, Father, Son), as well as Father /Son competitors and a couple of Grandfather /Grandson competitors. The grassroots of long drive are being woven tightly for the future of the sport as ALD™ continues to attract competitors of all ages and abilities. 16 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - JULY 2019
#gridoutlaws Pro Division
What a Stunning day Grasslands Driving Range great weather great company great hitting and some amazing set ups with #volkswagensa #MAN trucks tulisa park Alberton. This day belonged to aka Hammer Jason Vickers who had not lost a match and progressed to the finals where he came up against the ever improving Julian Samu aka Jul$ of which he hit his personal best drive of the day 400 meters on the dot. Jason Vickers has been improving with every event and Finally takes his Maiden Gridoutlaws win after a second and a third in past event.Jason trails the Eliminator Thorne Van Zyl who still leads the list with his 4th place finishing on the day with a out of bounds drive of 437 meters just outside the grid rope. But as we all know those dont count.. Congratulations to Gabriel Gabriel J Le Roux on his 3rd place today. Well done to 2nd place winner Julian Samu on his personal best 400 meters drive today and Michael Riley on the longest ball of the day by a meter 500 millimetres at 400.5 meters. Jason Vickers our winner of Grid no 4 and Thorne van Zyl Gridoutlaws current log leader have also been invited to the European long drive games in August. Let's hope they take this form a show the international long drivers we have some excellent long drivers here in South Africa too. #volviksa for suppling prizes and sponsoring of our brand new #vividxt golf balls. #switchgrips for there support on of our top players in gridoutlaws. #wannabeachampion for there fantastic vouchers.
#gridoutlaws Grid no 4 Amateur division
Grasslands Driving Range with #volviksa #truefitgolf #switchgrips #67trainingstudio. Some unlucky bounces and some great ball 18 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - JULY 2019
striking.Arno Steyn wins his 2nd Grid Amateur event out driving Michael Riley in the Finals with a out standing drive of 391 meters. Not taking anything away from him with Michael taking longest drive of the day in pro event with a great 400.5 meters drive today.2nd longest of the Amateurs that qualified for the main event later in the day with his personal best of 400 meters on the dot. Mel van Vreeden also going into main event but just coming up short in the top 8. Thanks to our main sponsor Tulisa VW and MAN trucks for some great prizes and there fantastic showing of the latest products The Extreme Amarok and the all powerful 480hp MAN truck.Well done to all and a great showing by all the Amateurs today. Very impressive.!
JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 19
20 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - JULY 2019
Great event in Ontario! An excellent number of hitters were present at one of the stops to qualify for the World Long Drive Champiosnhip. Once again, the Canadian Kevin Blenkhorn demonstrated his ability to achieve in a tough field to win the Open Division. In the Master division, Damon_ double.d_doan won over Bobby Petterson, who returned to compete after being absent for a while on his knees. Congratulations to All and for the Organization !!! JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 21
Rochester is a city on Lake Ontario, in New York State. Old industrial buildings cluster near the Genesee River’s High Falls. A vast collection of toys and dolls forms the core of the Strong National Museum of Play. The George Eastman Museum, on the early-1900s estate of the Kodak founder, has photography exhibits, film archives and gardens. Rochester Museum & Science Center has hands-on displays and a planetarium. The University of Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery has a collection spanning old masters, antiquities and a baroque organ. The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, home of the 19th-century suffragette, contains personal artifacts. Vendors sell local produce and specialty goods at the Rochester Public Market. Animals at Seneca Park Zoo, north of the center, include elephants and polar bears. The lakeside Seabreeze Amusement Park features thrill rides and a water park. Durand Eastman Park has a beach and wooded trails. In the south, Highland Park is known for its lilacs. The multi-use Erie Canalway skirts the city. Rochester is a year-round destination, with warm summers (Jun– Aug) and cold winters (Dec–Feb). Peak travel time is Jul–Aug. Fall, which brings colorful foliage to the city parks and s urrounding countryside, is also popular, especially in Oct. In spring, the Rochester Lilac Festival (May) celebrates Highland Park’s fragrant blooms, with a Lilac Parade, concerts and arts and craft vendors. High-profile artists headline the Rochester International Jazz Festival. One day trip When you have only one or two days around the area, we recommed to visit The Strong Museum, The George Eastman Museum and take the trip to the Niagara Falls. 22 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - JULY 2019
The Strong Museum The Strong Museum is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play. The Strong's multifaceted array of research, exhibits, and other interpretive and educational activities serve
a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe. The George Eastman Museum Tours are offered daily in the historic house and exhibition galleries. Garden tours are offered seasonally, May through September. Tours are included with museum admission, and each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Visitors are welcome to explore the Eastman Museum on their own. Self-guided audio tours—accessible from visitors' own cell phones—are available in the historic mansion (narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Robert Forster) and in select rotating exhibitions. Look for the cell phone symbol and stop numbers. Through October 20, our History of Photography Gallery examines the intersecting histories of photography and space exploration in honor of the 50th anniverary of the moon landing. Niagara Falls Iconic, monumental group of waterfalls Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of New York. From largest to smallest, they are Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Located on the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, the combined falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America that has a vertical drop of more than 50 metres (160 ft). During peak daytime tourist hours, more than 168,000 m3 (six million cubic feet) of water goes over the crest of the falls every minute.[2] Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as measured by flow rate. Niagara Falls is famed both for its beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Balancing recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for the stewards of the falls since the 19th century. Just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Rochester !!! JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 23
The regular season Event #5 of the German Long Drive Championship Series 2019 took place at the Golf-Club Burgwedel, near Hanover. Three players participated in the Juniors Competition and 16 players participated in the Division 2 on Saturday 13th July 2019. Martin Borgmeier (GER), who also hit the the longest ball of the day with a driving distance of 365 yards, won Division 2. The German amateur Eike Christian Salzer finished second, followed by Florian Wulf (amateur GER) and James Brosnan (GBR). Division 1 took place on Sunday. The Spanish long drive professional José Quilis won the final against Bry Roberts (GBR) and left the range as the winner of the REGULAR SEASON #5. Martin Borgmeier secured the third place, Jordan Brooks (GBR) made the 4th place. The longest ball of the day was hit by Bry Roberts with a driving distance of 375.6 yards. The end of the REGULAR SEASON #5 event also determined the winner of the GLDC-Ranking. Jordan Brooks finishes at the first place with 270 points. Robin Horvath takes the second place with 250 points followed by José Quilis with 224 points. As Jordan Brooks already owns a ticket to the World Long Drive Championship, the spot goes to Robin Horvath who will compete against the best long drivers of the world at the end of August in the US. There he can also fight for the title as World Long Drive Champion. On Sunday the Masters Division took place, too. Marko Mustonen (FIN) succeeded against his compatriot Jyrki Sytelä in the final and took away the first place. The means that he secured a spot for the Masters Division of the World Long Drive Championship in the US. Jens Knoop and Andree Hoffmann (both GER) met in the bronze match. Jens Knoop sent off Andree Hoffmann to the 4th place with the longer hit. Marko Mustonen could hit the longest ball of the day in the Masters Division with a distance of 336.5 yards. 24 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE -JULY 2019
JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 25
Conditions were perfect for the final event in the Alberta series for ALD Canada. The event was held in High River at Highwood Golf Course driving range. The most encouraging part of the day was to see all the new long drivers come out and try their hand at long drive and post some great numbers. A great job by series director Dan "Smackintosh" McIntosh for running yet another great event. Alberta is proving to be quite a hotbed for hitters and ALD Canada looks forward to hosting more events in Alberta next season.
Results
Open (M) - winner Jerrett Arndt 344 yards Open (F) - winner Jenna Habib 263 yards Senior (M) - winner Greg Bates 263 yards
Super Senior (M)- winner Ken Mitchell 254 yards
Senior (F) - winner Kathyrn Gibs 222 yards Congratulations to All winners and the organization! 26 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE -JULY 2019
JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 27
28 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE -JULY 2019
JULY 2019 - INTERNATIONAL LONG DRIVE MAGAZINE - 29