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E D ’ S
L E T T E R
t’s been a hell of a year for golf: Sergio won his first major, Tommy Fleetwood conquered Europe, Lexi Thompson dominated the women’s game and a certain Tiger Woods made a surprise and very decent comeback. Here at Long Drive World Series Towers, we’ve also been having an excellent time of it. 2017 saw us put on three great events in Dubai, London and Portugal with dramatic wins for Tim Burke, Emil Rosberg and Ryan Reisbeck. Crowds watching live gasped in awe as the guys launched drives into the stratosphere, going head to head in round after round of power challenges. Around the world millions more watched on TV, everywhere from the USA to New Zealand. 2018 is going to be even bigger and better. LDWS is holding 10 events in 10 different countries to determine who is the biggest hitter on the planet. It all starts in Dubai in February and will come to a climax in Turkey in November. See page 32 for a map of the 2018 LDWS world.
I
We’ll be bringing you a new LDWS digi-mag every month, keeping you abreast of everything that’s happened, taking you behind the scenes and generally revelling in everything going down in Kaboom Town. In this month’s issue we have a great preview of LDWS Dubai; Golf Digest Top 100 coach Jeff Ritter takes Joe Miller’s swing apart and tell us how we can hit it 400 yards; Olympian Maria Verchenova gets us power drive ready with the first of her fitness tips; Golf Geek Dan Owen gives us the low-down on long drive shafts, while fun stuff includes a new regular feature on Golf’s Maddest Golf Courses and how PGA stars measure up to the LDWS boys, while Ryan Reisbeck and Kevin Shooks display their knowledge or otherwise of our first destination Dubai… It’s going to be a great year, that’s for sure, so strap yourselves in and join us for the ride of a lifetime. TIM SOUTHWELL
Editor
Tim Southwell
CEO
Operations Director
e. martin@longdriveworldseries.com
e. jamie@longdriveworldseries.com
Managing Director
Magazine Sales Director
e. jay@longdriveworldseries.com
e. ashley@longdriveworldseries.com
Martin Westney
Jamie Marland
Contributors
Gav Newsham, Daniel Owen, John Dean, Jeff Ritter, Chris Dean, and Maria Verchenova
Jay Boisert
Ashley Collin
Design, Illustrations & Cover
Karl Barr
www.karlbarrcreative.co.uk
06 07 LDWS ISSUE 2
The Long Drive World Series brand and logo are Copyright 2017 © Long Drive World Series.
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CONTENTS
LONG DRIVE WORLD SERIES MAGAZINE ISSUE 2
THE STRETCH DIRECT FROM THE TEE Dropped your lipstick, Rory? PGA Tour players versus LDWS; Maria Verchenova golf fitness; Joe Miller’s swing analysed by Jeff Ritter; Golf ’s Maddest Courses – Mount Merapi
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2018 PREVIEW HERE WE GO! THE LDWS SEASON STARTS HERE! We’re off to Dubai with the LDWS dudes. Who will prosper in the City Of Gold? Will Ryan Reisbeck go back-to-back after winning in Portugal? Or will Joe Miller get over the line after two runner up finishes in 2017? Plus Ryan Reisbeck & Kevin Shooks go head to head in our Dubai knowledge-off, and the players predict the year ahead…
EQUIPMENT T H E S H A F T U LT I M AT U M
36
Golf Geek Dan Owen gives us the low down on what makes the perfect shaft for long drive hitting, and what us mortals can gain from a little shaft knowledge.
E I G H T G R E AT GOLF TREADS
We bring you the best golf shoes out there right now.
40
GOLF’S LONGEST HOLES: G U N S A N C C , KO R E A
52 08 09 LDWS ISSUE 2
First up, Gunsan Country Club, South Korea: 3rd hole, par 7,… it’s... 1,097 yards long!
SOUTH COURSE
Murcia · Spain
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WEST COURSE
THE END RESULT, A TRULY UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.
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NORTH COURSE
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THESTRETCH
2017 LDWS champion Tim Burke prepares to cut loose in Dubai.
“TAKE UP ONE IDEA. MAKE THAT ONE IDEA YOUR LIFE - THINK OF IT, DREAM OF IT, LIVE ON THAT IDEA. LET THE BRAIN, MUSCLES, NERVES, EVERY PART OF YOUR BODY, BE FULL OF THAT IDEA, AND JUST LEAVE EVERY OTHER IDEA ALONE. THIS IS THE WAY TO SUCCESS.” SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
Illustration: Karl Barr Creative
Just how far do the LDWS guys blast the ball compared to the famous tour pros? Well, we’ve come up with this bit of fun. Although Jim Furyk might not find it so funny. PGA tour players average drives compared to LDWS boys’ longest efforts in competition…
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LDWS VER SUS THE PGA TOUR
FITNESS
Golfing Olympian Maria Verchenova didn’t get a reputation for being one of the longest hitters on the Ladies European Tour without getting her glutes in shape. We’re happy to introduce her as our LDWS Fitness Instructor. Over to you Maria… Photography: David Corbett
Shot on location at PGA Catalunya Resort: www.pgacatalunya.com
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THESTRETCH
1
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G LU T E S O N B AC K Hi there LDWS readers! I’m Maria and I’m here to get you in shape to hit the ball farther than you ever have. First up is a great routine for getting your glutes stronger. The glutes are the most important part of the body used to get good distance with the shot and stop you getting up too quickly. Some times people say ‘I don’t feel my glutes’ and that’s because most of the time people don’t use their glutes, they use ham strings and legs but glutes are really hard to feel. So I’m going to show you an exercise that will really make you work your glutes.
THE METHOD: So you lie on your back with bent knees, feet about six inches apart, and lift your glutes (bottom) up as high as you can. When you get your glutes up you tense them for a few seconds. If that’s too easy for you straighten and lift one leg up. At the same time, you can also clasp your hands and extend them up so you are resting on your shoulders and one foot. Then raise and lower your bottom in this position, – don’t forget to breathe! Do this 10 times and change legs. You are going to do three repetitions with each leg so it’s going to really hurt! Cool, have fun!
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaverchenova/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.verchenova/
THE WORLD’S MADDEST GOLF COURSES
1
NO.
MOUNT MERAPI INDONESIA
The last thing you need when you’re lining up your putt is to feel the earth trembling underneath you and suddenly realise you’re playing golf on an active volcano. Situated on the rim of the active Mount Merapi in Indonesia, the Merapi Golf Course is about as extreme a golf course as you can get. Not surprisingly, the course has incredible views. It’s not short either, measuring in at an impressive 6,966 yards. If you find yourself in the area, you’d be mad not to take it in. Mount Merapi is a 30-minute drive from the ancient city of Yogyakarta.
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018 019 LDWS„ISSUE 2
ADVERTORIAL
GREG SMITH GOLF ACADEMY 3 simple tips to increase your driving distance using your right leg.
The legs are the real driving force behind the golf swing and when used correctly, they can produce extremely fast clubhead speed through effortless motion. These 3 simple tips will allow you to improve your leg action and dramatically increase clubhead speed. TIP #1 RIGHT FOOT POSITIONING We want to create as big a turn as possible in the backswing without loosing posture or sliding laterally into the right leg. By positioning the right foot straight ahead at a 90 degree angle to the target line, you are able to align the hip joint and right knee in a position that reduces slide and over rotation. In this position, you will also be able to feel a slight muscular readiness in the right thigh. This will allow you to generate an incredible amount of force and speed in the downswing.
TIP #2 MAINTAIN THE RIGHT LEG ANGLE As we look at the driver set up from a side on view, we will see that the right leg will be slightly angled in. This is because of the wider stance adopted when using the driver. As you make your backswing move, you should try to create as big of a turn as possible whilst still maintaining the right leg angle. This will allow you to produce a backswing with maximum possible leverage and coil whilst still keeping a solid base.
TIP #3 THE RIGHT LEG PISTON You need to utilise the right leg correctly in the golf swing to generate maximum possible force. Imagine that your right leg works as a piston in your golf swing. As you load into your backswing, you should feel that you are loading the piston and compressing your right foot into the ground. As you move into the downswing, imagine that piston is being released as your right foot pushes off the ground. This creates a very similar motion to that of a vertical jump and produces an enormous amount of speed from the body. Put these three techniques into your golf swing and be prepared to start hitting colossal drives. If you would like to receive more awesome tips on how to improve your golf swing then go to: www.gregsmithgolfcoach.com/transform-your-game-guide-v1-2 and download our free guide. To book private coaching please contact Greg Smith on 07967 803473 /
info@gregsmithgolfcoach.com / www.gregsmithgolfcoach.com
HAPPY BOMBING!
HOW TO SMASH IT
Joe Miller’s swing analysed by Golf Digest Top 100 coach Jeff Ritter... Photography: Chris Dean
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
SET-UP
TAKEAWAY
TOP
This set-up is as fundamentally sound as it gets. Beautiful neutral grip, trail shoulder lower, wide base, ball forward, with a little outward flaring of the feet. And... Look at the height of that tee! He’s checking all the boxes to hit the crap out of it.
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Early pressure shift to the trail foot and a super wide arc in progress. Jack, DJ, Tiger and anyone else who bombs it will look a lot like this.
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No lower body resistance here. A free turn of the hips increases shoulder rotation for more power. Nice long swing just like Bubba, Daly and most every long drive competitor. What about that bent left arm? Another golfing myth busted!
400 STAGE 4 IMPACT
Vertical forces are huge for hitting it deep. Notice the action of his feet literally launching his body from the turf. Also...no stiff, rigid spine here. A nice gentle curve from top to tail just as it should be.
STAGE 5 FOLLOW-THROUGH
Wow! Look at that release. Some people might think this is a flip, but it’s not. Simply evidence of a ton of speed and the hands working through their natural sequence. Throw a ball as fast as you can and your trail wrist (right in this image) will look like this when you let it fly. Oh...and that “keep your head down” stuff. Maybe you should forget about that too.
YARDS
STAGE 6 FINISH
Incredibly quiet looking finish position for a ball that just left the earth’s atmosphere. Goes to show you good balance is key for every effective swing.
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Illustration: Karl Barr Creative
SEY S Y OD L A HE OB T L S G EIR KING A WAY. H T EA CH ER R N D B U N AP .. D A R U R L T S O S O T . T Y. E EC R T W G R A E U S I D BO G AN EV FEBRU RIE A R E P E S N RLD TOUR BAI IN S AR R HITTI O Y O W U B E LD THE F POW G DRIVE R WOR RTS IN D O LON TO OU LL STA 8 1 20 COME IT A , N L I WE ELVES RS U O Y
CITY OF
TAKE C
Dubai, be afraid‌ the world’s most powerful golfers are coming to town and, frankly no one is safe once they start pulverising golf balls and sending them soaring over the city. Hopefully the flight dispersions will not look like the Palm Jumeirah here! What better place to start the 2018 LDWS adventure than Dubai?
F GOLD
COVER!
JAMES TAIT UNITED KINGDOM
“FOR ME A GOOD SEASON WOULD BE TO GET MY FIRST WIN AND FINISH IN THE TOP 5 I’m not really worried about competing against anyone in particular. All the LDWS boys are incredible athletes, on the day anyone can win. If I don’t win, who will? Well, I’m not a detective but I’d say the person I don’t beat will probably win. Regarding which place I’m most looking forward to, it’s hard to choose because the line-up this year is incredible, but I’d have to say Mexico. I’ve worked really hard in the off season so I’m expecting to hit some bombs.”
EMIL ROSBERG
SWEDEN
“FOR 2018 TO BE A SUCCESS FOR ME MEANS I’M ALWAYS NEAR THE TOP AND DEFINITELY TO WIN SOME EVENTS! The scariest person on tour is definitely Scott Beaven with his necky faaaaade! If it isn’t me winning then it will have to be the guy who beats me. The place I’m most looking forward to visiting is Sweden!!!!! Heard it’s a wonderful country!! And this year I’m thinking, distance wise... 500 maybeeee??”
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TIM BURKE UNITED STATES
“THIS YEAR I JUST WANT TO WIN REGULARLY AND CLAIM A THIRD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Everyone on the LDWS can hit well so there’s no point worrying about who you’re playing. I just need to hit my shots. I’m really looking forward to Dubai and kicking off the year with another win there. I’m definitely going to spend more time exploring the place this year than last year. How far can I hit it this season? All depends on conditions but as long as it is the longest I don’t care.”
RYAN REISBECK UNITED STATES
“A GOOD SEASON IN MY MIND WILL BE PUTTING A LOT OF GOOD DRIVES IN PLAY AND DOING MY BEST. AH, WHO AM I KIDDING?! I WANT TO WIN ‘EM ALL! Mostly I just worry about myself rather than who’s competing against me. I’m usually my own worst enemy in competition, or at least that’s how I see it. If I had to name one person I’m worried about facing, I’d have to Ilija. I’d get distracted... he’s got such great hair. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say if it’s not me winning it will be James Tait. Tim (Burke)’s got a new baby so his legs will be shot, and Joe has to reply to way too many social media fans. The place I’m most looking forward to competing on LDWS is USA of course, shortest travel time. Actually, Portugal will be hard to beat but I’m really looking forward to seeing South Africa. How far can I hit this year? Well, my longest in competition is 485 yards, so I’d like to think there’s at least one out there longer than that, but mostly I just want to be at least one yard longer than all of my opponents.”
WILL HOGUE UNITED STATES
“A GOOD SEASON FOR ME WOULD BE DOING WELL ENOUGH TO WIN A FEW TIMES AND BE RANKED #1 AT THE END OF THE YEAR! In terms of who I’m most worried about facing… no one! I’m really looking forward to getting to South Africa, I’m going to do some safari hunting down there. I’m looking forward to all of them, though! How long can I go this year? As far as it takes to win”
SCOTT BEAVEN UNITED KINGDOM
“I’M SO STOKED FOR THE 2018 LDWS SEASON, BUT I WILL ONLY CONSIDER THIS SEASON A SUCCESS IF I WIN EVERYTHING! I’M GOING FOR A FULL 10 EVENT 10 WINS SITUATION. All the guys in the field can kill the ball. Everyone is dangerous. Anyone can beat anyone, that’s what makes Long Drive so exciting! If I don’t win then I reckon whoever does has cheated. The place I’m most looking forward to going to is China! That will be one of the best places to visit. Although all the countries on the list are spectacular! How far can we go this year?…. I don’t see it being a problem for some of the guys to be getting past 250 yards this season… well, you did ask a kidder!”
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JOE MILLER UNITED KINGDOM
“A GOOD SEASON FOR ME, PURE AND SIMPLE, IS TO WIN EVERYTHING
MAURICE ALLEN UNITED STATES
“A GOOD SEASON FOR ME THIS YEAR WILL BE ANYTHING BETTER THAN WHAT I DID LAST YEAR, CAUSE I SUCKED ON LDWS LAST SEASON You can’t control wins and losses, you can only control the effort and efficiency of your swing. So ,honestly, a good season for me will be based on going out and getting balls in the grid and having great ball striking. Everyone on the LDWS roster brings heat, there’s amazing talent this year which is a great for the series. Different venues will suit different players so it’s really hard to say who will win what. With the wide variety of venues, climates and conditions, this season’s point race title should be interesting to watch. Which country am I most looking forward to? Well, I love to travel and LDWS is allowing the athletes to see the world and grow the sport of Long Drive, so what else could one ask for? Only time will tell how far I can hit it this season... but don’t worry I got something cooking!”
I’m not worried about any of the other guys, what I’m most worried about is a headwind. If I don’t win, it’ll be the bookies who do! I have to say the place I’m most looking forward to getting to is Mexico ... home of tequila! Having said that, South Africa will be good… I think we’ll see 500 yards in South Africa.”
V
HEAD TO
Ryan Reisbeck and Kevin Shoo
RYAN REISBECK Have you been to Dubai before? If so what’s it like, if not what are you expecting? Yes, last year for the inaugural LDWS event and I loved it. Will the conditions be favourable for long driving? Absolutely, that warm desert air will be awesome as long as it’s not 20 mph winds in our face. What are you looking forward to most outside of the tournament? I want to go to the Dubai Miracle Garden.
QUIZ QUESTIONS: NO CHEATING The population of Dubai is a) 247,000 | b) 2,327,000 | c) 22,235,342 Ryan’s Answer: C Incorrect. The answer is B | Score: 0/1
The most popular food food dish in Dubai is a) Stuffed camel b) Stuffed aardvark c) Stuffed goat Ryan’s answer: C Incorrect, the answer is A | Score: 0/2 What is the average temperature in Dubai in February? a) 20oC | b) 25oC | c) 33oC Ryan’s answer: B Incorrect, the right answer is A | Score: 0/3 In July a Dubai court sentenced a couple to one month in jail, what had they done? a) Held hands in a hotel lobby b) Kissed in a service station restroom c) Hit golf balls from the roof of the Hilton hotel Ryan’s answer: C Incorrect, the answer is B Score: 0/4
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Drinking alcohol in Dubai is only permitted: a) In the street b) In hotels and private clubs c) In designated parks Ryan’s answer: B Correct | Score 1/5
How many local people will you meet on average in a week in Dubai? a) 100 | b) 34 | c) 1 Ryan’s answer: C Correct! The only local you are likely to meet is the person stamping your passport. | Score 2/6 The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest tower at 828 metres. What’s the second tallest? a) Sears Tower b) Empire State Building c) Taipei Ryan’s answer: C Correct! Don’t call it a comeback yet! | Score: 3/7 Dubai’s police force drive the following cars: a) Lamborghinis b) Ford Mustangs c) Mitsubishi Carismas Ryan’s answer: C Incorrect. The answer is A...Carismas indeed… Score: 3/8 There are more men than women in Dubai but what is the actual % of men? a) 70% | b) 87% | c) 92% Ryan’s answer: B Incorrect.. the answer is A | Score: 4/9
TOTAL SCORE: 4… MAYBE SOME LOCAL KNOWLEDGE BRUSHING UP NEEDED RYAN!
V
O HEAD
ok take our Dubai Challenge…
KEVIN SHOOK Have you been to Dubai before? If so what’s it like, if not what are you expecting? I have never been to Dubai before, but it’s been on my bucket list for a while now. It still hasn’t sunk in yet that I will be going in February. Will the conditions be favourable for long driving? The hot and dry weather are both good for making a golf ball go far, it will just depend on the wind direction. What are you looking forward to most outside of the tournament? Hanging out with my friends from the LDWS tour in a new, exciting country.
QUIZ QUESTIONS: NO CHEATING The population of Dubai is a) 247,000 | b) 2,327,000 | c) 22,235,342 Kevin’s answer: B - Correct! | Score: 1/1
The most popular food food dish in Dubai is a) Stuffed camel b) Stuffed aardvark c) Stuffed goat Kevin’s answer: C Incorrect, the answer is A | Score: 1/2 What is the average temperature in Dubai in February? a) 20oC | b) 25oC | c) 33oC Kevin’s answer: A - Correct! | Score: 2/3 In July a Dubai court sentenced a couple to one month in jail, what had they done? a) Held hands in a hotel lobby b) Kissed in a service station restroom c) Hit golf balls from the roof of the Hilton hotel Kevin’s answer: A Correct! | Score: 3/4
Drinking alcohol in Dubai is only permitted: a) In the street b) In hotels and private clubs c) In designated parks Kevin’s answer: C Incorrect, the answer is B | Score: 3/5 How many local people will you meet on average in a week in Dubai? a) 100 | b) 34 | c) 1 Kevin’s answer: C Correct, the answer is C. The only local you are likely to meet is the person stamping your passport. | Score 4/6 The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest tower at 828 metres. What’s the second tallest? a) Sears Tower b) Empire State Building c) Taipei Kevin’s answer: C Correct! | Score: 5/7 Dubai’s police force drive the following cars: a) Lamborghinis b) Ford Mustangs c) Mitsubishi Carismas Kevin’s answer: A Correct! | Score: 6/8 There are more men than women in Dubai but what is the actual % of men? a) 70% | b) 87% | c) 92% Kevin’s answer: A Correct.. the answer is A | Score:7/9
TOTAL SCORE: 7... CLEAR WINNER! CONGRATULATIONS KEVIN!!!
Illustration: Karl Barr Creative
2018 LDWS WORLD TOUR SCHEDULE COMING SOON TO A GOLF COURSE NEAR YOU!
32 33 LDWS„ISSUE 2
ULT
36 37 LDWS„ISSUE 2
THE
SHAFT TIMATUM If the shaft is the engine of the golf club, then these babies are turbo charged!
Words: Dan Owen
ong drivers absolutely belt it. We’ve all seen them in action, swinging out of their shoes, shaft bowed massively at the top of the backswing, with the head whipped into the ball before the hands are ripped through to a high finish. These guys do not hold back. And they need equipment that can take their power. As important as getting a driver head that won’t buckle under the extreme pressure a long driver will put the ball under, they need a shaft that won’t snap under pressure, plus one that will deliver a low launch and spin rate to boom those drives out there. So how do they differ from the shafts that the majority of golfers play? A normal driver shaft is 46 inches, and the driver would be cut down to length from there with a playing length between
L
44-46 inches. A regular golfer and most pros will benefit from a shorter driver shaft, as it is easier to return the clubface square at impact and consistently hit the sweetspot. The average shaft length on the PGA Tour is around 44.5 inches. A long drive shaft will be 48 to 50 inches long, and then cut down for a finished driver length of 48 inches. A couple of inches sounds like nothing, but when it comes to a driver every inch can make a massive difference. On average every extra mile of clubhead speed equates to 2-3 extra yards, and each extra inch of shaft can help generate, in theory, another 3mph. Therefore a longer shaft can generate upwards of 18 yards extra distance. Which is huge. But remember, a long driver only needs to keep one good ball in the grid, they aren’t looking for a fairway finder.
Swing speed is another massive difference between long drivers and the rest of us. The average male swing speed is around 93.4mph, with an average driving distance of 214 yards per drive. Long drivers are swinging well over 130mph, and to really compete you need to be swinging over 140mph. So long drive shafts have to be heavier and stronger to keep up with that power. Where a normal driver may be available in regular, stiff, and extra stiff and weigh somewhere between 55 and 70 grams, long drive shafts start at X flex (extra stiff)and go up from there. In fact, XX (extra extra ), XXX, and shafts going all the way to 6X are all available, while shaft weights start at around 70 grams, and go up to around 85 grams. Long drivers are much more efficient than even tour pros, because they not only have higher swing speeds, they have maximised their launch conditions to eek out every yard. And to hit the super long drives, you need an exaggerated upwards angle of attack. To keep this launch in check, long drive shafts tend to be very tip stiff and low launching, as that is the best way to combat spin and make the ball go further. The idea of a high launch, low spin driver started with the long drivers and their exaggerated positive attack angle. The average golfer often needs help launching the ball as there is a tendency to deliver the club on a downwards angle of attack. This is one place where copying a long driver is a great move as it is much more efficient, producing longer drives with less effort. The women on the LPGA have similar swing speeds to the average male, but have learnt to make their swings more efficient with a positive angle of attack like the long drivers. This is definitely something worth practicing.
“The mainstream shaft manufacturers tend to dabble in and out of producing shafts for long drive. For example Fujikura, one of the biggest shaft manufacturers in golf produce Joe Miller’s driver shaft”
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WHO MAKES LONG DRIVE SHAFTS? The mainstream shaft manufacturers tend to dabble in and out of producing shafts for long drive. For example Fujikura, one of the biggest shaft manufacturers in golf produce Joe Miller’s driver shaft. But there is a group of smaller brands who excel in the sport House of Forged have dominated the sport at a competitive level since their inception as a shaft brand in 2006. Based in San Diego they started out as a specialist retailer of vintage forged blades, hence the name. With multiple world championship wins, they understand what is needed in the world of long drive. House of Forged shafts are manufactured by Matrix, and come in a range of models including the long drive specific Force and Ninja models. Justin James won the 2017 Volvik Long Drive World Championship finals using a 5X Ninja model. For the average golfer House of Forged offer the lightweight code red as well as the Express. The Express is perfect for the golfer looking to control their spin rate and keep it down.
Xphlexxx might be the most interesting shaft brand in the world of Long Drive. Owned by Rob Head, the guy is a legend of golf forums worldwide. Known online as Robopti, there is arguably no one on the planet as excitable about hitting new golf clubs, and hitting them hard. The Xphlexxx shafts are manufactured by Velix and look incredible. The Busa is Xphlexxx’s long drive range, and is arguably the most advanced shaft in the world of long drive. Composed of 74% ultra-sheer 40 ton carbon fiber (25% resin), 11% full length liquid crystal polymer (5x times stronger than steel), and a mixture of low resin 36t / 30t / 24t carbon. We aren’t rocket scientists, but what you need to know is it is a shaft that offers incredible stability, unrivalled dispersion, and extreme ball speeds. Oh, and have we told you they look stunning? For the regular golfer they offer the Agera. Designed for a golfer looking to reduce their spin and tight dispersion, but at a normal length. With the same unusual finishes, these shafts might just be the most interesting looking out there.
GOLF SHOES
NIKE LUNAR CONTROL VAPOR 2 QS SHOES: These look sensational. The cleat combines some of the features Nike sneakers have become known for, such as a Lunarlon midsole insert for extra cushioning and the use of the brand’s Flywire material to reduce the weight. The shoe’s upper is also built with the same NIKESKIN material we’ve seen used for the brand’s football cleats that also provides a lightweight feel.
8
OF THE BEST
GOLF SHOES Words: John Dean
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ADIDAS TOUR 360 GOLF SHOES The new adidas TOUR360 golf shoes look the absolute business. BOOST technology with increased stability. The new TOUR360 features subtle, yet significant changes from the previous model – the TOUR360 BOOST: a new outsole top plate, SPRINTSKIN™ technology, classic toe-down appearance, new premium heel execution, and increased outsole flexibility make it one of adidas Golf’s best shoes on the market.
FOOTJOY PRO/SL: FootJoy’s Pro/SL shoe has had an explosive year, becoming the most sold model in the UK by some considerable margin. As an example of the line’s popularity at retail, more than one in every ten shoes sold within the UK in 2017 was a Pro/SL helping to support yet another season in which FJ have achieved over 50% footwear market share.
PUMA IGNITE SPIKELESS: The line perfectly blends trusted technologies such as the DISC closure system and IGNITE Foam, providing superior step-in comfort; an Epic Performance Last, for the perfect fit; premium materials for durability; and fresh, on-trendlooks for making a statement on and off the course.
GOLF SHOES
ECCO BIOM® HYBRID 3
MIZUNO NEXLITE sL: Mizuno boasts a long and rich heritage in footwear, which has been put to good effect with the addition of the ultra–lightweight NEXLITE SL golf shoe. The NEXLITE SL IS an ultralight 275 gram shoe engineered by Mizuno’s award–winning running team and packed with technology to make walking the course as pleasurable and comfortable an experience as possible.
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Flag bearers of golf hybrid footwear,ECCO GOLF, have unveiled their latest innovation, ECCO BIOM® HYBRID 3 featuring the groundbreaking new TRI-FI-GRIP™ outsole. TRI-FI-GRIP™ ensures multi-purpose zonal performance through three segments; one for stability, another for durability and a third for rotational support. The zonal structure is a product of intensive research and data analysis in the ECCO GOLF Lab. Each is formed from ultra-durable T.PU, meaning the shoes can be worn on and off course without affecting performance.
STUBURT Stuburt is offering a great selection of affordable shoes and boots in its Autumn/Winter 2017 collection, which features affordable, performance footwear showcasing state-of-the-art materials: shoes and boots that will stand up to the harshest conditions and deliver great value for money.
G/FORE Mid/Street Disruptor golf shoes: G/FORE has gone back to the streets for inspiration with its latest eye-catching addition to the footwear range. The striking Mid/Street Disruptor is designed to be worn away from the golf course, but maintains the trademark G/FORE style with a smart, yet casual look and is brimming with all of the performance and technology associated with the Californian brand’s wide range of footwear.
SPECIAL OFFER: FIRST MONTH’S SUBSCRIPTION FOR ONLY £10. PLEASE QUOTE YOUR PRIVATE CODE “LD2018” VIA EMAIL
LEARN TO BE LONGER... FROM THE LONGEST! PGA PROFESSIONAL AND LONG DRIVE WORLD SERIES COMPETITOR SCOTT BEAVEN IS THE TWO TIME EUROPEAN LONG DRIVE CHAMPION WHO CAN HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR GOLF GAME AND ADD YARDS TO YOUR DRIVES! TO BOOK A SERIES OF LESSONS IN WITH SCOTT AT THE EXCLUSIVE APHRODITE HILLS RESORT IN CYPRUS, PLEASE CALL, EMAIL OR VISIT THE WEBSITE NOW. TEL 00357 97651316 WEB WWW.SCOTTBEAVENGOLF.CO.UK
Bedfordshire Golf Club
Visit our website for further details
www.bedfordshiregolf.com or call in to try for yourself
ScottBevan.indd 1
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ADVERTORIAL
TUMI ALPHA BRAVO & MERGE COLLECTIONS hether you’re turning left on an airplane or right at a T-junction, you need to be packing right. TUMI’s new Alpha Bravo & Merge Collections, with their modern, casual stylings are guaranteed to make you look the business. The fully functional collection offers versatile business bags and backpacks perfect for work, school, and travel. The TUMI Spring 2018 Travel collection celebrates California, with its wide variety of jaw-dropping landscapes and sun-kissed cities, capturing that famous laid-back vibe. TUMI journeyed throughout the state and, among the beaches, deserts, and vibrant cities, discovered incredible pockets of fashion, tech, art, design and music. With an exciting color palette and bold patterns, as well as pops of neon in unexpected places, Spring 2018 will take you on an exciting adventure and encourage you to grab your TUMI and discover the beauty for yourself. Consider yourself packed!
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View the full range now at: uk.tumi.com
ADVERTORIAL
BILLECART-SALMON CHAMPAGNE GIFT SET ou can’t seriously consider yourself to be celebrating life until you’ve got a flute of quality champagne in your hand. Champagne Billecart-Salmon are releasing a gift set to celebrate their 200th anniversary as a champagne House in France, as well as the lives of Louis Salmon, the brother of Elisabeth who founded the House with her hubby back in 1818. The Blanc de Blanc vintage, imbued with purity and minerality, comes from the very best parcelles of the Cote des Blancs. The Cuvee Louis 2006 displays a dignified personality with an elegant balance and exquisite delicateness, and comes with a stunning carafe which serves to amplify the characters of this wine, permitting it to gently open p and allowing the aromas of this cuvee to fully reveal themselves. Available as a limited edition from independent stockists: £190.00
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For more information visit: champagne-billecart.fr
ADVERTORIAL
BRM GOLF MASTER WATCH COLLECTION ancy a golf watch for Christmas? The BRM Cronographes Golf Collection White Skeleton dial come in seven cool colours and feature stainless steel case, double face sapphire crystal, with a white skeleton design golf ball. The BRMs feature automatic movement, are shock absorbent, water-resistance to 100m and come with a three-year warranty Hands (with matching springs and strap’s stitches) also available in lime green, grey, yellow, orange, light blue, dark blue, red. Specifications of the automatic 2824-2 movement: Round caliber; Automatic rewinding; 28800 alternations per hour; 25 jewels; power reserve 38 hours; 4,60mm thick; Push button for stopping seconds.
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For more information please contact BRM on 00 33 (0)1 61 02 00 25 or by email to infos@brm-manufacture.com View the full range now at: www.brm-manufacture.com
ADVERTORIAL
ADVERTORIAL
FORMEX ELEMENT WATCH COLLECTION ormex make top of the range timepieces without charging you the earth for the privilege of having a stunning watch on your wrist. How do they do this? Cut out the middle man, that’s how. Formex sell direct to the customer so there is no retailer cut and the difference is gifted to the customer The Element is a watch that will have all your friends asking exactly what it is and where they can get one. It’s a robust watch that withstands any extremities that nature can throw at it, whether you’re sky diving from 13,000 feet or wreck-diving in the Caribbean. A Swiss masterpiece, the Element is made from hightech materials with cutting edge tech. And it looks the absolute business.
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Try on our watches virtually on your own wrist with the free Formex TryOn App, available now from the App Store and Google Play. View the full range now at: www.formexwatch.com
ADVERTORIAL
PERSIMMON GOLF CLUBS et’s face it, modern drivers look like space ships. Amazing, power-generating space ships. And if the M1s and Epics of this world are the brash, colour-crazy spaceships, then the Persimmon Golf T-Classic drivers are golf’s Riva, the classic luxury speedboat frequented by the glamourous and famous from the late 1800s to current day. And just as the Riva speedboat has evolved from its humble beginnings to the super-tech beasts of 2017, so has Persimmon Golf moved with the times, creating traditional looking clubs with remarkable performance. Solid persimmon combined with leading edge plate and cycolac inserts mean you can really launch your drives in style. Choice of Dark or Blonde finish, includes lined leather head cover, hand made in the UK from quality Italian leather. Old school. Classic. I want one…
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View the full range now at: www.persimmongolfclubs.com
THE LONGEST HOLES IN GOLF
GUNSAN
TO PIN: 70 YDS
COUNTRY CLUB, SOUTH KOREA HOLE PAR YARDS
3 7 1,097
TO PIN: 360
TO PIN: 570YDS
Illustration: Karl Barr Creative
TO PIN: 775YDS
es, that’s the best part of a mile. Even the Long Drive World Series guys will struggle to get there in three shots (assuming they’re not teeing it up on the fairway!). Gunsan Country Club sits on the site of an abandoned salt field that spans over 1,060 acres. It is the only course in Korea where all the holes are surrounded by lakes; around 380 acres or 36% of the course is comprised of lakes, and the holes are connected by 26 bridges. It has some of the longest golf holes in the world, including the third here, and also a Par 6 hole (723 yards), which is actually the first hole. It may be the only time you’re happy walking off with a seven....
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TO PIN: 1,097 YDS
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