Ft. Bliss Military Long Drive Championship open to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Heather Wilburn
  • Family and MWR Marketing
Fort Bliss, TEXAS --  It's time to brush up on your swing; the local qualifier for the Military Long Drive Championship is coming soon and eligible personnel from Holloman Air Force Base are invited to compete.

Fort Bliss' Underwood Golf Complex will host a local qualifying event at 4:30 p.m., Friday, August 20, on the No. 10 tee of the Sunrise Course.

The winner of the Fort Bliss qualifier will advance to a second-stage qualifier in Dallas Sept. 11. From the second-stage qualifiers in Dallas and OCONUS locations, a total of 10 competitors will advance to the final round in Mesquite, Nev., which will take place Nov. 3. The winner of the Military Long Drive Championship will receive $10,000 cash and exemption into the open division of the 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Powered by Dick's Sporting Goods.

Entry in the Fort Bliss qualifier costs $10 per try; six balls are considered one try. If a competitor wishes to hit again, he or she may pay the appropriate entry fee and register for additional tries as time permits.

This official Long Drivers of America qualifier is open to active-duty service members from any branch of service and their family members 18 years of age and older, with valid military ID card; Reservists; National Guardsmen; and retirees. For official rules and eligibility, visit www.armymwrgolf.com.

In addition to the local qualifier at Fort Bliss, long-driving ability will be tested during local qualifiers on or near 20 other military installations around the world. Local winners will advance to the second round of competition, from which nine regional winners will move on to Mesquite, Nev., to take on Ensign Ryan Hixson of the U.S. Coast Guard, three-time Military Long Drive Championship winner, and the current title holder.

For more information about the Fort Bliss qualifier for the Military Long Drive Championship, call Underwood Golf Complex at (915) 562-1273 or visit www.blissmwr.com.