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Golf Channel to air Long Drive Championship in 2013

By Will Gray
Oct 30, 2012 2:03 PM ET

As part of a new, long-term broadcast partnership, Golf Channel will air the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship starting in 2013.

The network will showcase the event during three primetime specials next October, which will highlight the grassroots qualification process through regional events with the Long Drivers of America Tour. Coverage will culminate with a live, two-hour finale on October 30, 2013, during which eight finalists will compete for the title of World Long Drive champion.

NBC will also air a recap show of the entire competition next year, marking the first time in the event's 38-year history that it will be seen on network television.

"The move to Golf Channel and NBC will attract a new legion of long drive fans and garner exposure that is unmatched for this event," said LDA owner and CEO Art Sellinger.

Having taken place each year since 1975, the event regularly features golfers who hit the ball over 400 yards with swing speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour. The record distance achieved for a drive during the competition is 474 yards.