Bermuda Long Drive Championship To Be Held
Bermuda’s golfers will be able to try their hand at a long drive competition, as the inaugural Bermuda Long Drive Championship will take place on Saturday, October 26th at Riddell’s Bay Golf & Country Club and all males over the age of 18 are eligible to enter.
Organizer Ronan Kane said, “Bermuda has a reputation for having some of the finest golf courses in the world in such close proximity, however I feel that we are missing out on maximising what Bermuda has to offer. With the PGA Grand Slam held here each year we gain significant exposure, and we should be tapping into this more than we are to promote golf here.”
He continued, “Long Drive competitions are becoming increasingly popular around the world, and they help to promote the areas they are held in. The World Long Drive Championships in Mesquite, Nevada is broadcast to a wide television audience around the world each year, and Bermuda has an opportunity to be a part of this exposure also.”
With a strong and loyal golfing community, Mr. Kane hopes that support for this event will be significant – from groups who play golf on a weekend regularly to someone who has just started the game. There will be a BBQ and drinks tent, as well as two viewing areas, so a fun afternoon is on the cards.
To enter the competition you just need to be able to drive a minimum of 270 yards, and be 18 years of age by the date of the competition. The Champion will receive $750 in prize money with the runner up banking $250; as well as bragging rights for the year.
Mr. Ronan continued, “I have spoken with the organisers of the World Long Drive Championships and have the option of buying into the franchise so that the winner of the 2014 Bermuda Long Drive Championship will receive a spot in the 2014 World Championships to be held in Nevada.”
“If all goes well, the aim is to hold an annual event and include a Women’s division as well as Junior and Senior divisions also.”
While the 2013 event is only open to men, Mr. Kane states that because this type of event is new to Bermuda and is one that not a lot of people are familiar with, he decided to start small with the intention of growing it to include everyone who plays golf. He encourages as many people as possible to come out and support the event and the competitors to see first hand how much fun it is to not only spectate, but to compete in.
The event is open to all males over 18, and all entries must be received by October 18th with the entry fee of $50. Full entry rules can be found on the Facebook page or by emailing longdrivebda@gmail.com.
Is this a money making effort, of are the profits going to charity? If so which ones?