By Marie Gilmore
A local golfer may have earned his shot at a national championship with a 369-yard long drive at a recent qualifying event hosted by Summerfield Crossing Golf Club. Out of the 53 registered golfers for the first stage of the 2013 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship, the premier event in power golf, local golfer Tyler Beasley outdid his competition in the Open division with his 369-yard drive. Other qualifiers were Trevor Consavage-359-yard drive; Rob Tiettmeyer-353 yard drive; Adam Oliver-351-yard drive; and Kyle Chierek with a 344-yard drive. In the Senior Division, Martin Del Monte took top honors with a 347-yard drive. The other qualifier was John Karafilis with a 326-yard drive.
“This was a great turnout,” said Ed Pichette, Broker/Owner RE/MAX South Shore Realty and host of the event.
The event, just one of three qualifiers in the state, was the pre-event to the upcoming Regional Championships which will be held on June 22, starting at 9 a.m. at the Orange County National Golf Course in Winter Garden.
The ultimate goal now, is to earn a spot at the RE/MAX world finals, scheduled in October 2013, in Mesquite, Nevada. “This event was beyond expectations,” said Jason Blanchard, President and COO of Summerfield Crossings Golf Club. “We had over twenty-five folks come watch these competitors and when you see balls going over three hundred yards routinely, it’s easy to see why.”
During the long drive competition, competitors have 2:45 minutes to hit six official balls provided to them at each event. A qualified drive must be a minimum of 275 yards in the Open division and 250 yards in the Senior division. USGA rules apply for the teeing ground, tee and intent to strike. Club heads must conform to USGA standards.
Summerfield Crossings Golf Club is located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview, FL. With easy access to Interstate 75, Summerfield has something to offer any golfer who is looking for the complete golf experience: ideal course conditions, driving range, the fun-filled “Doc’s Grill” and a staff assembled to provide great service. For information call 671-3311 or visit www.summerfieldqc.com.
