ALPHARETTA, Georgia – Atlanta, Georgia’s Bobby Jones Golf Course, revitalized by a 2018 renovation that created a nine-hole reversible public golf course and world-class clubhouse and practice amenities, will be on golf’s center stage this week as it hosts the World Long Drive (WLD) Championship Oct. 18 to Oct. 22.
While WLD championships are frequently held in purpose-built long drive arenas, Bobby Jones Links (BJL), the golf industry’s leading client-centric, boutique management company who manages Bobby Jones Golf Course, saw an opportunity to present golf as accessible and attractive to the local community while showcasing the focal point the course has become for beginning and avid golfers of all ages. The five-day event will highlight top talent Long Drive competitors from around the world with special clinics and activations for children, teens and women and the local chapter of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) the flagship military program of PGA REACH that introduces golf to veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
“Hosting the World Long Drive Championship at Bobby Jones Golf Course is a tremendous opportunity to tell what really has become an unbelievable success story about this course’s transformation into a first-class public facility that is inclusive and welcoming to anyone who wants to have a fantastic golf experience,” said Bobby Jones Golf Course General Manager Josh Deal.
Bobby Jones Links’ vision for Bobby Jones Golf Course reaches far beyond the transformation from an 18-hole course to a clever and innovative nine-hole reversible layout. The architecturally stunning Murray Golf House is home to the Ed Hoard Golf Shop as well as the offices for the Georgia State Golf Association and the PGA of America’s Georgia section, and the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. With thoughtfully curated programming to make golf accessible to all walks of life and special touches like the Dan Yates Putting Course, this one-of-a-kind property has become an ideal exemplar of modern public golf.
“Bobby Jones Golf Course is a shining example of what golf can do to galvanize a community and to show the industry that even formerly under-utilized infrastructure can be transformed into something that’s grand and awe-inspiring while also being infinitely functional and purpose driven,” said Steve Willy, Founding Partner, Bobby Jones Links. “It is core to our mission at Bobby Jones Links to make the golf course and club experience thrilling, welcoming and aspirational and Bobby Jones Golf Course is a shining example we’re proud to have showcased to the public during the World Long Drive Championships.
The World Long Drive Championship will air on Golf Channel and showcase the Long Drive world’s biggest stars, like two-time world champion, Kyle Berkshire who recently set the ball speed world record of 241.6 MPH. Also on hand will be Defending World Champion Martin Borgmeier, four-time World Champion and world record holder for longest drive in a women’s competition (414 yards) Phillis Meti, six-time World Champion Sandra Carlborg, and Bryce Verplank, who has the longest drive of the year (men’s) – at 489 yards.
For more information, visit https://www.bobbyjoneslinks.com/ and https://worldlongdrive.com/.
