World Long Drive Inks Bridgestone as Official Ball Partner
PIVOT Agency helps bring newly designed ball to WLD
DALLAS (February 7, 2023) – World Long Drive (WLD) along with their corporate development agency, PIVOT, announced today that Bridgestone Golf, the No. 1 ball-fitter in golf, is the official ball partner of WLD as it makes its return in 2023 with new owner GF Sport and Entertainment at the helm.
Bridgestone recently introduced its new e9 Long Drive ball, designed in conjunction with the World Long Drive Association. It is the longest ball Bridgestone has produced to date, aimed at players looking for maximum carry and the ultimate in overall distance.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bridgestone Golf, bringing their most technologically-advanced golf ball to World Long Drive,” said President of GF Sports & Entertainment Shawn Tilger. “With Bridgestone at the forefront, World Long Drive is excited to showcase the best long hitters in the world with the top golf ball in the game.”
Bridgestone engineers developed a ball that features a two-piece construction with injection molded seamless Surlyn cover and Bridgestone’s Tour-proven 330-dimple pattern. An extreme gradational core (softer in the center, firmer toward the exterior) promotes explosive speed and lower long-game spin. The uniquely-designed e9 Long Drive also offers higher launch, more carry, and more overall efficiency.
“The new e9 Long Drive ball was engineered by Bridgestone Golf with help from World Long Drive,” said Director of Marketing for Bridgestone David Vorgin. “We anticipate professional long drivers will take advantage of the e9’s unique design to chase World Long Drive records. Bridgestone Golf is confident the new e9 Long Drive ball will improve driving distance for professionals and recreational golfers alike.”
World Long Drive returns in 2023 with an expanded tour, the largest purse in the competition’s history, and more than 50 total hours of programming by NBC Sports on GOLF Channel over the course of the contract.
“World Long Drive and GF Sports & Entertainment are ushering in a new era in live golf events - fast paced, high energy, content driven action for fans of all ages. We strongly believe the corporate community will see WLD as a unique & compelling marketing platform and we're excited to help tell that story." – said Founder/CEO of PIVOT Agency Ben Shapiro
The World Long Drive Championship is the largest annual domestic professional golf event not associated with the PGA of America, the PGA Tour, or the LPGA. It was first held in 1974, and since 2000 consisted of Open, Women’s, Seniors (over-45s), and Amateur events.
The World Long Drive tour tees off March 10-12, in Mesquite, NV, culminating with the Championship October 18-22, at Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information: worldlongdrive.com, Twitter (@WorldLongDrive), Instagram (@WorldLongDrive).
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About World Long Drive:
The World Long Drive Championship is the largest annual domestic professional golf event not associated with the PGA of America, the PGA Tour, or the LPGA. It was first held in 1974, and since 2000 consisted of Open, Women’s, Seniors (over-45s), and Amateur events. The World Long Drive tour is comprised of over 12 events domestically and over 30 events internationally all culminating for the season finale World Long Drive Championship. World Long Drive tour and championship is owned and operated by GF Sports and Entertainment based out of New York, NY.
About PIVOT Agency:
PIVOT Agency is the exclusive sales agency representing GF Sports & Entertainment with consulting and sponsorship sales for the World Long Drive, Atlanta Open and Dallas Open.
PIVOT Agency is a full-service sports marketing agency, built at the nexus of brands and culture, and forming alliances between consumer brands, athletes, sports, the arts, causes, business and media. Today it has grown into four (4) unique and successful divisions, encompassing Property Representation, Brand Consulting, Travel and Hospitality. PIVOT's property division consults with top organizations in the sports and entertainment world including GF Sports & Entertainment, Pro Pickleball Association, Athletes Unlimited, Cedar Fair, OpTic Gaming, NRG, Spacestation Gaming, Illinois State University and a growing portfolio of professional and collegiate properties.
About GF Sports and Entertainment:
GF Sports & Entertainment is a global events and operations company that elevates the experience of live sports, entertainment and interactive events. The company owns two of the ATP Tour’s longest running American tennis tournaments, the Dallas Open and the Atlanta Open, as well as the National Lacrosse League New York Riptide. GF Sports & Entertainment also incubates new and emerging sport concepts, this includes Wolf Pack Ninjas, which operates ninja-focused events globally and just completed the purchase of World Long Drive an international long drive tour.
GF Sports & Entertainment was founded in July 2015 by New York-based private equity firm GF Capital. For additional information, please visit www.gfsportsandentertainment.com.
