Tune in on Tuesday, Oct. 28 for the third show that leads up to the live finals from Las Vegas’ Paiute Golf Resort on Nov. 4 at 10 p.m. Eastern time.
It’s time to live long in October, during Long Drive Month on the Golf Channel.
If you were there to see the world’s longest ball strikers this past week, you had a great show. I was fortunate enough to see it from the stands and out 450 yards in the grid. Out of bounds to the left meant duck and cover if you were one of the volunteers monitoring each driver’s distance and reporting back to the scorer. Two of the guys were hit out there, one on the under side of his right arm and the other had his feet knocked out from under him as he was hit on his ankle. You just can’t see it coming!
I’m looking forward to the Golf Channel’s October Long Drivers Month, where the first three segments will feature the Mesquite portion beginning on Oct. 12, 21, and 28. You may even see yourself on TV, as they continually panned the audience to show participation from spectators. Fans pretty much filled the one bleacher on that final Saturday, where in previous years there were three bleachers filled to capacity. Fan participation is one reason why we may lose this event in Mesquite next year to a higher spectator potential in a major city like Las Vegas. That would be a real bummer!
Another challenge is Remax, the main sponsor for the past 20 years, is pulling out, focusing on regional and local marketing efforts versus national. The big question now is, who’s going to step into that position next year, and will it still be held in Mesquite? We can only hope. I remember when I competed in the Long Drive in 2009, attempting to qualify for the Mesquite finals. I made it to the regionals at Centennial Golf Course in Medford, Ore. and took third place in my Super Senior Division, not good enough for an invitation to Mesquite. I did see the gentleman I competed with at this event. He’s now 60 years old and competing in the 60+ division. We had a chance to visit a bit. Great fun, and a reason why these guys love to compete year after year. You create lasting friendships. Most of these guys know each other, and so do their girlfriends and wives. I’ve never seen so many beautiful women. Of course, most of these guys are very good-looking too; 6 feet-plus with upper bodies that look like NFL linebackers. Eye candy for both sexes!
All in all, it was great drama, with the final eight competitors earning their way to Las Vegas to compete in what should be incredible drama. Winners of the Senior, Super Senior, Ladies, Grand Champions, Masters, and Legends earned almost enough cash to pay for their trip but definitely not enough to make this their livelihood. The Open players, on the other hand, do make this their main source of income. Many do this full time once they become one of the elite. These top athletes earn sponsorships and generate income from exhibitions and television appearances, always logoed up with hats, shirts, and equipment just like to PGA and LPGA professionals on tour. It’s big business but it’s all business and we love it! See you in Vegas on Nov. 4.
