Power Golf’s Premier Event Begins Oct. 20 at New Regional Park in Mesquite, Nevada
ROANOKE, TEXAS (Oct. 1, 2008) — With the 2008 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship in Mesquite, Nevada less than three weeks away, Long Drivers of America (LDA) officials are beaming about the multimillion dollar new home for power golf’s premier event.
“The facilities dedicated specifically to long drive at Mesquite Regional Park represent a dream come true for LDA members, LDA marketing partners and everyone involved with our sport,” said LDA chief executive officer Art Sellinger, who toured the facility in late September. “To describe the new site as a world-class venue for golf’s biggest hitters or an outstanding showcase for elite long drivers fails to do it justice. It’s all that and more.”
Sellinger praised the collaboration between the City of Mesquite, Pulte Homes and Cleland Group Design for a project nearly three years in the making. “Together they have done an amazing job and created a tremendous asset for Mesquite and its residents,” he said. “There’s ample space to accommodate spectators and tremendous sight lines – not just for long drive competition but for other sports like soccer, softball, and baseball.”
Sellinger also noted the setting is ideal for television: “The backdrop at night, when we stage the RE/MAX finals in each division, is simply breathtaking. The Flat Top Mesa borders the left side of the championship grid and city lights illuminate the right side. Members of ESPN’s production crew have already visited the site, and they tell us the images will be incredible.”
The 2008 RE/MAX world finals get underway on Monday, Oct. 20, with elimination rounds in the women’s and grand champions divisions. A total of 272 international long drivers will be competing for world titles in five adult divisions and a $600,000 purse. The open division champion pockets $250,000 and earns bragging rights as the longest hitter on the planet.
ESPN will broadcast a 90-minute RE/MAX WLDC highlights show during the Christmas holidays (date and times TBD) and, through its international affiliates, distribute the program worldwide.
RE/MAX CHAMPIONSHIP GRID
Sellinger said the championship grid at Mesquite Regional Park runs south to north and is perfectly flat but for a .5 degree grade for drainage. The grid’s surface is native Bermuda grass that will not be over-seeded before the championship.
“LDA has contracted the services of one of the top golf course maintenance teams in the Mesquite area,” he said. “The grid is being maintained at a half-inch using a triplex mower. The surface is being mown twice a week down-grain, and is being rolled three times a week. “Barring any significant amount of rainfall,” he added, “the grid should maintain a nice, quick pace throughout the competition.”
ON THE TEE
RE/MAX WLDC competitors will be hitting Pinnacle Gold golf balls, the official ball of long drive, and teeing off on a synthetic tee created especially for the championship by Southwest Greens of Las Vegas.
Tournament officials suggest RE/MAX competitors bring both 3 ¼” and 4″ tees to the event for practice (LDA will supply Zero Friction tees on the championship tee only).
The official practice site for competitors will be the driving range at the Palms Golf Club (which hosted the RE/MAX WLDC finals from 1998-2007).
Players warming up for competition at Mesquite Regional Park will hit off mats. Hitting irons off the natural turf at the new site is strictly prohibited. LDA will have a mat at each station on the range at the new site.
“We’re ready to rock,” said Sellinger, who noted LDA’s field staff is already in Mesquite prepping the tournament site. “Thanks to the vision of city leaders in Mesquite and to Pulte Homes, we’re going to have an event for the ages at Mesquite Regional Park. I believe this will be the championship that long drivers will be talking about 10 or 20 years from now. Everyone is going to remember 2008.”
Contact:
Russ Pate (817) 819-4547 or
Steve Wiley (888) 233-4654
