2014 Gallery & Results
Erik van der walt takes 2014 sa re/max world long drive champion title
7 June 2014 - Huddle Park Golf & Recreation Complex - Erik van der Walt laid claim to the 2014 title of South African RE/MAX World Long Drive Champion at the national final, with a drive of 379.7 metres.
“I am over the moon. It has been a tough few days,” said van der Walt, speaking of his win shortly after being presented with the trophy and R50 000 winner’s cheque. “On Thursday the wind was really blowing which made things extremely difficult. The cooler weather has definitely had an impact on all the competitors. We were uncertain about the wind today, but it swirled around which ended up being in our favour.”
Van der Walt went on to say that the RE/MAX World Long Drive championship is a challenging competition. “It’s a long day. When you are in the grid you have six balls to drive as long and straight as possible, and you have to give your everything. Then in between your rounds you are back on the practice range hitting more balls and still giving your best, so it’s a tough, long day and you have hit the balls right consistently.”
On the day of the final, that is exactly what Erik did. Now, with the title of South African champion under his belt, Erik has the opportunity to test his skills on the international stage to see if he has what it takes to be the best in the world at the International World Long Drive Championship, which is to be held in Mesquite, Nevada in September. Erik will be pitted against competitors representing over 30 countries. The winner will be crowned as the king of the long drive along with $250,000 “winner takes all” prize money.
Speaking about competing in the international RE/MAX World Long Drive Championships, van der Walt said: “I’m thrilled to be going to Mesquite to compete in the international championships for the third time, which is a real honour.”
RE/MAX of Southern Africa has been supporting the World Long Drive Championships in South Africa for just over 15 years. So said Adrian Goslett, CEO of Southern Africa when he said a few words before handing over the R50 000 cheque and winning trophy to Erik. Goslett thanked Huddle Park, the supporters and spectators as well as the team who worked behind the scenes to ensure such a successful event. “I also want to thank all the long drivers – not just those who competed in the final event, but everybody who participated this week. Without you we wouldn’t have such a successful event,” he said. “To be able to hit a ball over 379metres in these conditions is a phenomenal achievement. We are proud to have Erik representing South Africa among competitors from around the world at the International World Long Drive Championship in September.”
National Final - Huddle Park Golf Club - 7th June 2014
| 1st | Erik van der Walt | 379.7 metres |
| 2nd | Donovan Snyman | 358.6 metres |
| 3rd | David Melman | 337.0 metres |
| 4th | Leon Peyper | 328.0 metres |
| 5th | Jaco Vosloo | 314.0 metres |
| 6th | Kari Hyökki | OB |
