 | | 2008 Results |
2008 Results
If you're interested in the international events organised by the Long Driver's Association, click here to visit their website.
|
| RE/MAX WLDC World Long Drive Final - Mesquite Nevada, Saturday, 25 October 2008 |
After 2 days of gruelling knock out competition at the World Long drive final in Mesquite Nevada, our very own Dewald Gouws came runner up to Jamie Sadlowski after Jamie hit a cracker of 418 yards. Dewald could not match it and was only able to get 387 yards.
We are very proud of him and know that this is the beginning of many more years of long drive for him.
Hope to see you all at the 2009 RE/MAX Long Drive events around South Africa.
|
| To see how Dewald made it to the finals, click here. |
To see pictures of the event, click here.
|
| RE/MAX WLDC National Final - Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, Saturday, 6th September 2008 |
On a hot and windy Spring afternoon, deep in the bushveld in Limpopo province, South Africa, Rynardt
Combrinck, the Winner of the 2008 Order of Merit, showed his determination to win the 2008 RE/MAX World Long Drive
Championship South African National Final, beating his fellow competitors by a massive 20.1 metres on his last ball.
During the opening rounds, it was anyone’s game. The 16 competitors started off the morning with fierce competition.
The distances posted during these rounds were close, leading up to a nail biting finish. New boy on the block, 21 year
old Dewald Gouws, ended his maiden Long Drive season with a 3rd place Order of Merit finish and a 2nd place National
Final finish on 363.6 metres. The oldest competitor in the Open Division, Martin Lea, the only coastal resident
participating in the final round, finished 3rd with a respectable 360.6 metres.
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Rynardt Combrinck | 1st | 383.7 m |
| | Dewald Gouws | 2nd | 363.6 m |
| | Martin Lea | 3rd | 360.6 m |
| | Adriaan van Rensburg | 4th | 353.7 m |
| | Erik van der Walt | 5th | 348.8 m |
| | Henry Barnes | 5th | 340.9 m |
| | Tom van der Westhuizen | 5th | 311.3m |
| Top 5 Ball by Ball : | Rynardt Combrinck | National Final - hit off 6th | OB | OB | 346.9m | 361.3m | OB | 383.7m | Finished 1st overall |
| | Dewald Gouws | National Final - hit off 7th | 349.7m | OB | 344.0m | 363.6m | 342.0m | OB | Finished 2nd overall |
| | Martin Lea | National Final - hit off 3rd | OB | 360.6m | 315.0m | OB | OB | 349.0m | Finished 3rd overall |
| | Adriaan van Rensburg | National Final - hit off 8th | 348.9m | OB | 353.7m | OB | OB | 310.0m | Finished 3rd overall |
| | Jandré Vorster | National Final - hit off 4th | OB | 332.7m | 315.0m | OB | OB | 349.9m | Finished 3rd overall |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Bloemfontein Golf Club, 12th of August 2008 |
The final qualifying event on the 2008 calendar was held at Bloemfontein Golf Club, on Tuesday,
12th August. A total of 77 sets were hit during the day, with local long drivers battling it out against
Rynardt Combrinck. Congratulations to Henry Barnes, who has now qualified for the Nationals in September. Confirmation
has been received that the 2007 SA Champion, Nathaniel Barnes, will not be returning to South Africa to defend his
title this year. The South African National Finals will take place at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa on Saturday,
6th September 2008
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 407.0 m |
| | Henry Barnes (Qualifies for semi-finals) | 2nd | 375.0 m |
| | Nico Grobbelaar (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 3rd | 369.3 m |
| | Divan Gerber | 4th | 349.2 m |
| | Lotter Meyer | 5th | 334.2 m |
| SENIOR DIVISION | Willem Kruger | 1st | 285.9 m |
| | Bobby Ontong | 2nd | 262.8 m |
| | Robert Taute | 3rd | 250.0 m |
| LADIES DIVISION | Mischa Lottering | 1st | 247.6 m |
| | Cornelle Cronje | 2nd | 239.0 m |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Humewood Golf Club, 8th of August 2008 |
The second last event on the 2008 calendar was held at the Humewood Golf Club, Port Elizabeth,
on Friday, 8th August. A slight breeze early in the day did not draw the competitors, they all waited for the wind
direction to change, and when it did, the competition heated up! A total of 96 sets were hit during the day,
with local long drivers battling it out against Rynardt Combrinck and Nico Grobbelaar from Gauteng. The Gauteng chaps
did not let the wind get the better of them, with Nico and Rynardt finishing in 1st and 3rd places respectively.
Congratulations to Martin Lea, who has now qualified for the Nationals in September. The last event for 2008
takes place on Tuesday, 12th August at Bloemfontein Golf Club.
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Nico Grobbelaar (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 372.1 m |
| | Martin Lea (Qualifies for semi-finals) | 2nd | 371.1 m |
| | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 3rd | 368.0 m |
| | Adriaan du Plessis | 4th | 366.2 m |
| | Bevan Bradley | 5th | 346.3 m |
| SENIOR DIVISION | Sean Cunningham | 1st | 310.0 m |
| | Ambrose Paulsen | 2nd | 309.6 m |
| | John Jacobs | 3rd | 295.0 m |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Gauteng(Verwey Driving Range), 1st August 2008 |
The last Gauteng event was held on Friday, 1st August at the Verwey Driving Range in Fourways Johannesburg.
A disappointing event with only 69 sets being hit, but great distances from the regulars!
With only 2 events left and 20 maximum points, Rynardt Combrinck is the 2008 Order of Merit winner!
His 30 point lead over Nico Grobbelaar has secured a spot for himself in the 2008 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Finals
being held in Mesquite Nevada USA from 20th October 2008. Congratulations to Erik van der Walt for qualifying for this year's final.
The long drive goes on the road again this week for the final two events of the 2008 series being held at Humewood Golf Club on Friday,
8th August and Bloemfontein Golf Club on Tuesday, 12th August.
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Dewald Gouws (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 414.6 metress |
| | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 2nd | 408.0 metres |
| | Nico Grobbelaar (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 3rd | 399.7 metres |
| | Johann du Plessis (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 4th | 392.5 metres |
| | Erik van der Walt (Qualifies for semi-finals) | 5th | 384.2 metres |
| SENIOR DIVISION | Mike Gouws | 1st | 340.0 metres |
| | Etienne van der Linde | 2nd | 310.0 metres |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Pietermaritzburg Golf Club, 25th July 2008 |
Kwa-Zulu Natal is definitely the place to be over the winter months!
Superb conditions, very little wind, temperatures in the mid 20's, a RE/MAX Midlands golf day...
the scene was set! A total of 72 sets were hit during the day, and thanks to Rynardt,
Nico and Simon Morgan for making the trip to Pietermaritzburg.
During a lull in the morning, I personally decided to try my hand at long drive after 10 odd years
of being behind the radio... shocked everyone including myself!
A very successful golf day was hosted by RE/MAX Midlands and approximately R60,000.00 was raised
for Reach for a Dream. Big thanks to everyone that participated.
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 373.1 metres |
| | Nico Grobbelaar (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 2nd | 365.5 metres |
| | Madoda Shweni (Qualifies for semi-finals) | 3rd | 355.0 metres |
| | Simon Morgan | 4th | 354.9 metres |
| | Brad Mullis | 5th | 339.0 metres |
| SENIOR DIVISION | Dr Leon van Schalkwyk | 1st | 319.5 metres |
| | Robin Bruce | 2nd | 312.7 metres |
| | Morgan Phillips | 3rd | 309.0 metres |
| LADIES DIVISION | Sandy Smith | 1st | 251.0 metres |
| | Joy Chimombe | 2nd | 244.5 metres |
| | Wendy Gibhard | 3rd | 210.0. metres |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Kimberley Golf Club, 22nd July 2008 |
|
Perfect dry conditions on the driving range allowed the competitors to maintain distances between 385 and 399 metres.
A total of 87 sets were hit during the day, and thanks again to Rynardt and Nico for making the trip to Kimberley.
A golf day was hosted by RE/MAX Diamond Field Properties and a big thanks to RE/MAX and everyone that participated.
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Nico Grobbelaar (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 399.0 metres |
| | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 2nd | 392.3 metres |
| | Jandré Vorster (Qualifies for semi-finals) | 3rd | 385.5 metres |
| | Henry Barnes | 4th | 367.0 metres |
| | Riedwaan Samba | 5th | 356.5 metres |
| SENIOR DIVISION | Arnold Henning | 1st | 290.0 metres |
| | Keith Brown | 2nd | 285.7 metres |
| | Braam Botes | 3rd | 285.0 metres |
| LADIES DIVISION | Anél Viljoen | 1st | 263.8 metres |
| | Dalina Schoeman | 2nd | 195.0 metres |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Zwartkop, 2nd July 2008 |
The Zwartkop Country Club event has always proved to be a big event, and we were certainly not disappointed this year.
With a total of 119 sets being hit during the day, the distances hit had the crowds in awe!
A very big thanks to RE/MAX Jowic for their effort in providing additional branding, participants and spectators throughout the day.
Few surprises in the results, but luckily now the 2007 South African runner-up has qualified for the Semi Finals in September 2008. Well done Jaco!
The Long Drive series leaves Gauteng for Kimberley Golf Club on 22nd July and Maritzbutg Golf Club on 25th July.
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Dewald Gouws (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 425.7 metres |
| | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 2nd | 417.6 metres |
| | Nico Grobbelaar (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 3rd | 409.6 metres |
| | David Melman (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 4th | 406.6 metres |
| | Jaco Vosloo (Qualifies for semi-finals) | 5th | 403.1 metres |
| SENIOR DIVISION | Koos Nel | 1st | 322.0 metres |
| | Etienne Pienaar | 2nd | 317.0 metres |
| | Manie Cloete | 3rd | 200.0 metres |
| LADIES DIVISION | Crizelda van Niekerk | 1st | 287.0 metres |
| | Liezel Diffenthal | 2nd | 276.0 metres |
| | Annette Matthys | 3rd | 224.0 metres |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Durbanville Golf Club, 23rd June 2008 |
When the Cape weather is good, it's great! Monday started out all misty, but fortunately the sun soon
burnt that off and it turned into a glorious day! Competitors came from as far as Pretoria, Johannesburg
and Port Elizabeth to compete! A total of 108 sets were hit during the day, and although conditions were
perfect for Long Drive, the past few weeks of rain in the Cape resulted in the grid being very wet and
the chaps got no roll on the ball.
A successful golf day was also held on Monday, and a big thanks to RE/MAX and everyone that participated.
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Nico Grobbelaar (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 341.0 metres |
| | Morné Zurnamer (Qualifies for Semi-finals) | 2nd | 339.5 metres |
| | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for semi-finals) | 3rd | 334.5 metres |
| | Martin Lea | 4th | 330.1 metres |
| | Andrew Mackie | 5th | 324.0 metres |
| SENIOR DIVISION | Mark Springer | 1st | 307.0 metres |
| | Lindley Stallenberg | 2nd | 286.0 metres |
| | Maans Roelofse | 3rd | 248.0 metres |
| LADIES DIVISION | Yvette du Plessis | 1st | 229.0 metres |
| | Erna Truter | 2nd | 210.0 metres |
| | Dot Foster | 3rd | 150.0 metres |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Verwey Driving Range, 13th June 2008 |
What a stunning autumn day! Clear blue skies and no wind to speak of! The day attracted the regular
long drivers, but also saw previous National Finalists attend for the first time in the form of George
Williams and Neil Goosen. A total of 90 sets were hit and the guys are getting more and more serious
about reaching the 400 metre mark every time they peg it up! Hot competition yesterday between Jaco
Vosloo and Johann du Plessis, both vying for a place in the 2008 National Final. Congratulations to
Johann for just edging Jaco out by a mere 2.4 metres!
The Order of Merit is still being fiercely fought between Rynardt Combrinck and Dewald Gouws.
Watch this space to during the "away" events!
This qualifying event also saw the final participation of Nathaniel Barnes, the current South African
champion. Nathaniel and his wife Jeanne are immigrating to Australia and will be leaving South Africa
on the 19th June. Nat, you have been a wonderful ambassador for the sport, a great friend, and an
inspiration to all long drivers. We will miss you, but wish you and your family the very best and hope
to see you in September to defend your title!
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 398.3 metres |
| | Dewald Gouws (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 2nd | 396.0 metres |
| | Nico Grobbelaar (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 3rd | 382.7 metres |
| | Johann du Plessis (Qualifies for Semi-finals) | 4th | 370.8 metres |
| | Jaco Vosloo | 5th | 368.4 metres |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Nelspruit Golf Club, 5th June 2008 |
Setting up on Wednesday afternoon during a cloud burst resulted in the grid being extremely wet on competition day!
This was by far the toughest event held to date, as the grid was uphill at almost a 30 meter incline!
The participants struggled to get to the distances they have been averaging, however it was very exciting as there was only half a meter between
1st and 2nd positions. The competitors fighting it out at the top of the Order of Merit table are still Rynardt Combrinck and Dewald Gouws.
With only 10 points between them, the next event at the Verwey Driving Range on Friday, 13th June is going to bring some very long distances!
At only 11 years of age, Thriston Lawrence, playing off a 4 handicap, teed it up yesterday and hit a whopping 198.0 meters.
A future South African Champion?
Thanks to the Gauteng competitors who travelled all the way to Nelspruit to participate, and the RE/MAX Nelspruit staff who came down to support
us on the day!
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 331.0 metres |
| | Dewald Gouws (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 2nd | 330.5 metres |
| | Nico Grobbelaar (Qualifies for Semi-finals) | 3rd | 327.0 metres |
| | Jaco Vosloo | 4th | 318.0 metres |
| | Tom van der Westhuizen | 5th | 302.0 metres |
| SENIOR DIVISION | Leon Wait | 1st | 270.0 metres |
| | Nantis Brits | 2nd | 253.0 metres |
| | Peter Charl | 3rd | 250.0 metres |
| LADIES DIVISION | Christine Davis | 1st | 218.0 metres |
| | Carla Davis | 2nd | 210.0 metres |
| | Monja Richards | 3rd | 204.0 metres |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club, 26th May 2008 |
|
It was a very Cold and wet autumn day in Gauteng with a slight head-on breeze which did not really play a roll in the day's event.
The biggest long-drive bumper day with a total of 110 sets being hit, mostly by the regulars, although several new comers attended earlier on in the day.
With only a few centimetres in it yesterday, the Order of Merit competition is hotting up with long drivers battling it out for maximum points.
The race now is surely to catch Rynardt Combrinck, beware of Dewald Gouws who is hot on his trails. So, no surprises on the leaderboard!!
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Dewald Gouws (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 358.7 metres |
| | Adriaan Van Rensburg (Qualifies for Semi-finals) | 2nd | 358.2 metres |
| | Rynardt Combrinck | 3rd | 356.0 metres |
| | Nico Grobbelaar | 4th | 352.0 metres |
| | Morne Zurnamer | 5th | 351.0 metres |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Kempton Park Golf Club, 13th May 2008 |
|
It was a glorious autumn day in Gauteng with a slight head-on breeze which did not really play a roll in the day's event.
Another long-drive bumper day with a total of 98 sets being hit, mostly by the regulars, although several newcomers attended earlier on in the day.
The Order of Merit competition is hotting up with long drivers battling it out for maximum points.
The race now is surely to catch Rynardt Combrinck who definitely is on top of his game! So, no surprises on the leaderboard!!
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Rynardt Combrinck (Already qualified for Semi-finals) | 1st | 396.6 metres |
| | David Melman (Qualifies for Semi-finals) | 2nd | 382.0 metres |
| | Jaco Vosloo | 3rd | 381.2 metres |
| | Dewald Gouws | 4th | 379.0 metres |
| | Nathaniel Barnes | 5th | 376.0 metres |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, 21st April 2008 |
|
"Gautengers" woke to a wet and freezing day, and at the start it looked as if nobody was venturing out to hit "long ball".
After several "OB's" to keep the chill away, the regulars came down and a total of 99 sets were hit. The distances were
not great, thanks to the blustering wind conditions, but the competition is definitely heating up!!
|
| OPEN DIVISION | Dewald Gouws | 1st | 374.0 metres |
| | Nathaniel Barnes | 2nd | 371.0 metres |
| | Rynardt Combrinck | 3rd | 365.0 metres |
| SENIOR DIVISION | No entries | | |
| LADIES DIVISION | No entries | | |
| RE/MAX WLDC - Verwey Driving Range, 4th April 2008 |
| OPEN DIVISION | Rynardt Combrinck | 1st | 400.0 metres |
| | Nathaniel Barnes | 2nd | 379.0 metres |
| | Erik van der Walt | 3rd | 377.0 metres |
| SENIOR DIVISION | Mike Gouws | 1st | 279.0 metres |
| | Leo Combrink | 2nd | 242.0 metres |
| LADIES DIVISION | No entries | | |
|