December 21, 2009--Mesquite, Nevada, is a golf mecca and home to seven golf courses, and the area is also the home to the event that determines the biggest hitters in all of golf. And in 2010, the annual event returns to Mesquite but with a major new sponsor that will bring even more awareness to the event and this golf destination. In addition to still being sponsored by RE/MAX, Dick's Sporting Goods will now power this Mesquite golf event.

Roanoke-based Long Drivers of America (LDA) announced today that Pittsburgh, Pa.-based Dick's Sporting Goods, which operates more than 420 Dick's Sporting Goods stores in 40 states, will be presenting sponsor for power golf's premier event, which has been officially retitled "The RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship powered by Dick's Sporting Goods." LDA also announced Slazenger Raw Distance will become the official golf ball brand for LDA-sanctioned competition, including the RE/MAX world finals, beginning in 2010.

"We welcome Dick's Sporting Goods and Slazenger Raw Distance into our family of marketing partners," said Art Sellinger, LDA's chief executive officer. "Our long drive competitions across North America provide outstanding platforms to promote brands. Having an LDA and RE/MAX presence at Dick's Sporting Goods outlets will increase visibility for our sport. The Slazenger Raw Distance brand of golf balls is all about power. Long drive competitors will experience the ultimate in performance and distance with this product. LDA's preliminary performance tests show the Slazenger Raw Distance ball provides tremendous distance and feel."

The Mesquite area is home to a lot of golf plus some very nice hotel and resorts, and has become known as a very good and affordable golf destination with various golf packages available. One of the highlighted Mesquite golf courses is Wolf Creek Golf Club, a fantasy golf course that is included on most national lists as one of the best golf courses in the United States. Click now to view the official website of Wolf Creek Golf Club. Official golf packages with Wolf Creek and the Eureka Hotel are available and you can click now for more information.

"Dick's Sporting Goods is honored to be a part of RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship, one of golf's most unique events," said Jeffrey R. Hennion, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer for Dick's Sporting Goods. "It is the perfect venue to feature our Slazenger Raw Distance family of golf ball brands available to all golfers seeking the longest distance allowable and available nationally only at Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy stores."

Denver-based RE/MAX International, the worldwide leader in residential and commercial real estate, has been title sponsor for professional long drive's marquee event since 1995; it celebrates its 16th consecutive year of title sponsorship in 2010. "We welcome Dick's Sporting Goods to the most exciting event in golf," said Mike Reagan, RE/MAX International senior vice president. "Their passion for sports, and commitment to quality products and service, will help LDA and our sponsor family reach new levels in the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship."

The 2010 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship powered by Dick's Sporting Goods concludes at Mesquite Sports and Event Complex in Mesquite, Nevada in late October and early November (dates TBA). ESPN's 90-minute telecast of the 2009 RE/MAX world finals debuts on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. ET and re-airs on ESPN2 on Christmas Day at 2 p.m. ET. Jamie Sadlowski, the 21-year-old Canadian sensation, successfully defended his 2008 title while long drive legend Bobby Wilson captured both the senior and super senior division crowns. To learn more about Long Drivers of America, browse www.longdrivers.com; to learn more about Dick's Sporting Goods, browse www.dicksportinggoods.com.