News Summary
Puerto Rico is introducing its first official Longest Drive league, a collaboration between Ultimate Long Drive Inc. and JRO Events. This initiative aims to widen the sport’s reach in the region and allow local athletes to compete in the Ultimate Long Drive World Championship. Open to participants of all ages and skill levels, the league will also include special categories for adaptive athletes and veterans. The initiative marks a significant step in establishing Puerto Rico as a competitive sports destination in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Puerto Rico is set to make a significant entrance into the world of competitive golfing with its first official Longest Drive league. This new league, established through a partnership between Ultimate Long Drive Inc. and JRO Events, aims to introduce the sport to a wider audience on the island and position Puerto Rico as a key player in the golfing scene throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
The collaboration between the two organizations results in JRO Events being granted exclusive rights to organize and promote the Long Drive competitions statewide. Their role encompasses the management of sanctioned leagues, tournaments, and qualifying events, providing a structured platform for local golfers to participate in this international circuit.
Registration for the inaugural event is set for this month, and the tournament will play a crucial role in helping local athletes qualify for the Ultimate Long Drive World Championship. This new league is designed to be inclusive, encouraging participation from individuals of all ages and skill levels, from young children to senior athletes above 80 years old. Additionally, special categories will accommodate adaptive athletes, military personnel, and first responders.
Competitors will have the opportunity to earn points and prize money throughout the league, leading to a chance to compete in the finals. This structure not only aims to heighten local interest in golfing but also to develop athletes who can engage in international competitions.
The driving force behind this initiative, José Rafael Orraca, has expressed pride in introducing the Long Drive concept to Puerto Rico, highlighting the potential for local athletes to shine on a broader stage and connect with the golfing community across Latin America and the Caribbean. This launch follows a strategic engagement with Tee Time Ventures in India earlier this year and reflects Ultimate Long Drive’s ongoing expansion since its establishment in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 2017.
Ultimate Long Drive Inc. has quickly developed an international presence, organizing competitions not only in the U.S. but also in countries including Canada, Japan, Europe, Mexico, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and India. As the sport prepares to expand further, Jeff Gilder, the founder and CEO of Ultimate Long Drive, notes that the new agreement strengthens the global outreach of Long Drive events. The league will operate under the Ultimate Long Drive Championship series, which spans from November through the annual world finals.
JRO Events, known primarily for its boxing promotions in Bayamón and other locations, is venturing into golf for the first time with this initiative. Orraca acknowledges the wealth of talent and enthusiasm in Puerto Rico’s sports scene, indicating a strong foundation for growth in various athletic disciplines. The establishment of the Longest Drive league not only creates new opportunities for emerging golfers but also strives to bolster athlete development and sports accessibility within local communities.
Through this initiative, Puerto Rico is poised to become a notable destination for international sports competition, catering to diverse athletes and aligning itself with global sporting events. The excitement surrounding the league signifies a turning point in Puerto Rico’s sporting landscape, promising to unveil talented individuals and offer them a platform to showcase their skills on an international stage.
In summary, the launch of the Longest Drive league in Puerto Rico signifies a new chapter for the island’s athletic community, with potential benefits that extend far beyond the golf course. Athletes from various backgrounds will have the chance to compete, earn recognition, and contribute to shaping Puerto Rico’s identity in the world of sports.
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FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
