Tim Burke swings into action to take inaugural Long Drive World Series in Dubai

Tim Burke won the inaugural Long Drive World Series event in Dubai with a winning drive of 335 yards. Handout photo

Tim Burke won the inaugural Long Drive World Series event at Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates this past weekend, narrowly edging out wild card and American compatriot Ryan Reisbeck to take home the winning share of £50,000 (Dh227,678) in prize money.

More than 1,000 spectators witnessed two-time long drive world champion Burke edge a close contest with a winning drive of 335 yards, 5.5 yards farther than Reisbeck’s longest effort.

The final came after hours of competition that saw 10 competitors – eight pros and two wild cards – narrowed to eight through seeding, followed by two rounds and a third-place match.

Burke said that while wind conditions made for some tough competition, and that he was delighted with the outcome.

__________________________________

Read more

■ Long Drive World Series: World champion promises ‘a great show’ in Dubai

__________________________________

“The conditions were pretty tough with the wind so I was having to hit it more of a flight shot with less spin on the golf ball but I got it done and had a blast,” he said.

“The Long Drive World Series is definitely taking golf in a different direction, to the next level. I’m super excited to see where it goes.”

Along with the long drive action on the course, spectators were treated to Live DJs, pyrotechnics, food trucks as well as a surprise Long Drive challenge between European Ryder Cup player Rafa Cabrera Bello and UK Long Drive champion, Lucas Dornan.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better kick off to the Long Drive World Series,” said Jay Boisvert, Managing Director of the Long Drive World Series. “All of our competitors, wild cards and pros alike, put on a spectacular show for our Dubai fans, who were outstanding. The Dubai event has definitely set the stage for the next events in the Series and we’re looking forward to growing both the Series and the sport.”

The Dubai leg on the Long Drive World Series is followed by events in the UK, Asia and the United States.

* Agency

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport