Former Champs Reign Supreme at RE/MAX Long Drive With 400 Plus Yard Swings

The biggest hitters in the world have departed Mesquite, Nevada, but they have left a trail of 400-yard drives and big moments. In 2011, 2002 Champ Karl Wolter and 2004 Champ David Mobley returned to the winner's circle. Wolter defeated Ben Tuaone 409-388 to win the Open Division while Mobley defeated Vincent Ciurluini 459-452 to seize his first Senior Division crown.--By Brian Hurlburt.

Wolter earned $150,000 and bragging rights as the longest hitter in the world. Mobley earned $50,000 for his win.
Tailwinds registering a sustained 20mph and gusting higher produced enormous distance during Senior Division competition, as players routinely registered drives exceeding 440 yards.

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Mobley's winning drive of 459 yards obliterated the RE/MAX WLDC Senior Division record of 394+ yards set by Frank Miller in 2007.
Conditions began changing during the Open Division quarterfinals, as the wind gradually shifted from left to right across the 70-yard-wide championship grid at Mesquite Sports and Event Compex.

Even so, Wolter pounded out massive drives of 446 yards in his quarterfinal win over 2008-09 champion Jamie Sadlowski and 459 yards in his semifinal win over 2010 champion Joe Miller.

In the finals, with temperatures falling and the wind blowing crosswise and in, Wolter could only muster 409 yards; but that was more than enough to secure his win.

Sadlowski's winning of drive of 418 yards in 2008 remains on the books as the championship finals record.

The parade of 2011 RE/MAX world champions also included Sweden's Sandra Carlborg (Ladies Division), and Americans Rick Scott (Masters Division), Michael Hooper (Legends Division), and Pat Dempsey (Grand Champions Division, Super Seniors Division).

The 2011 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship global telecast premiere will be December 24 at 1PM ET on ESPN and again Christmas day at 12:30 PM ET on ESPN2.

2011 RE/MAX WLDC OFFICIAL RESULTS
Senior Division - Quarterfinals
Vince Ciurluini - 456 yards defeats Craig Hagen - 441 yards
Johan Tumba - 434 yards defeats Bobby Wilson - 430 yards
David Mobley - 454 yards defeats Sean Fister -  444 yards
Pat Dempsey - 446 yards defeats Vince Howell - 440 yards

Semifinal Match Play
Vince Ciurluini - 439 yards defeated Johan Tumba - 423 yards
David Mobley - 455 yards defeated Pat Dempsey - 448 yards

Finals
David Mobley 459 yards def Vince Ciurluini 453

Open Division Quarterfinals
Joe Miller - 421 yards defeats Justin Moose - 416 yards
Carl Wolter - 446 yards defeats Jamie Sadlowski - 443 yards
Ben Tuaone - 437 yards defeats Carl John Hellstrom - OB
Aaron Mansfield - 426 yards defeats Jeff Gavin - 416 yards

Semi finals Match Play
Carl Wolter 459 yards defeated Joe Miller 452 yards
Ben Tuaone 436 yards defeated Aaron Mansfield 420 yards

Finals
Carl Wolter - 409 yards defeats Ben Tuaone 388 yards