Mike ‘The Monster’ Dobbyn

551 yards. A New World Record.
2007 was clearly Mike Dobbyn’s year in Long-Drive. Not only did he establish a new benchmark for distance during a Harmon Tour event in June at Dragon Ridge Golf Club in Las Vegas, but he followed up with a huge victory at the World Long-Drive Championship in October!

At 6′8″ and over 300lbs, Dobbyn possesses one of the more sound fundamental swings in the sport. He is also a natural born athlete having been drafted by major league baseball prior to a career ending injury. He also happens to be a top tier bowler!

No doubt even greater things are ahead for Dobbyn in Long-Drive including a return engagement on the stage at THUNDERBALL! “I loved the first THUNDERBALL! – who wouldn’t? Loud music, beautiful cheerleaders and the gladiator-style format brings so much energy to the sport and I can’t wait to show the boys that the Monster is back!”

C.J. Morley

As the son of one of the original Long-Drivers, C.J. Morley knows better than most just what it takes to be a champion in his chosen sport.

“My father set a world record at 412 yards back in 1989.” he says, “Long-Drive was in its infancy back then and the record really brought it a lot more notice than it had before.”

No doubt, C.J. is incredibly proud of his father Cory’s accomplishments in the sport but it’s safe to say he expects just as much if not more of his own Long-Drive career.

“I’ve competed at the top levels in several sports but without a doubt my passion is for Long-Driving.” he says, adding “Now that I’m nearly done with school I can’t wait to focus even more time on becoming the best hitter I possibly can.”

Given his heredity, few doubt he’ll be near the top for a long time to come.

Defending Champ Vinny ‘Boom Boom’ Howell

Perhaps the most apt comparison of Vince Howell is that of the Tasmanian Devil from Bugs Bunny cartoons. Boundless energy combined with some serious athletic talent have brought Howell to the forefront of Professional Long-Driving as both a competitor and a spokesman.

“I absolutely love to compete – at anything really but particularly in Long-Drive.” he says, adding “For me, the opportunity to entertain people with my talent, whether it’s on the tee-deck or giving an exhibition it’s simply what I believe I was born to do.”

Coming out on top of one of the best Long-Drive fields ever assembled at THUNDERBALL! provided Howell perhaps his sweetest victory to date.

“I cherish the THUNDERBALL! Victory and the Diamond Tags that went with it. I know THUNDERBALL! is the future of Long-Drive and to come out on top at the first one is a legacy that will last forever.”

Kevin ‘The Bull’ Bullard

It seems wholly ironic that someone born during a snowstorm in of all places Rome, Georgia, would actually grow up to become one of the best in the world at bringin’ the heat – to a golf ball that is. But in the case of Kevin Bullard, that’s exactly what happened.
“All my life I’ve worked hard and played harder.” says Bullard. “From racing BMX bikes as a kid to reaching the upper echelons of professional baseball after college, I really enjoy challenging myself and my athletic abilities to see just what I can do.”

At 6′3″ and 235lbs, Bullard has registered a top ball speed of 216 mph and a competition best drive of 438 yards! In 2007, Kevin won two events including the Desert Launch and was the US Long Drive Tour Champion. Despite all his success, Bullard firmly believes his best days in Long-Drive are still ahead of him, including walking away with the coveted Diamond Tags in the next edition of THUNDERBALL!

“The first THUNDERBALL! was a tremendous event – the music, the lights, the energy, it’s an absolutely awesome show.” says Bullard. “And it will be even sweeter when I walk away with the title next time!”

Danny ‘The Blade’ Luirette

Danny ‘The Blade’ Luirette is one of the funniest characters in all of professional sports. After qualifying for the world championships in his first attempt in 2002, Danny was hooked on the competition and the camaraderie that came with it.

“A friend of mine was a competitor and he thought I should try it out.” says Luirette, “There is a lot more energy and character with Long-Drivers so I fit right in with them.”

Having competed at the top tier of both amateur and professional golf, Danny has been a consistent presence at the highest levels of Long-Drive and he intends to keep it that way.

“I enjoy being the target of other players so I tend to trash talk a little more than the rest. That sort of gamesmanship is what separates Long-Drive from most other sports and I absolutely thrive on it.”

Allen McDougall

To describe Allen McDougall as ‘fit’ is simply a huge understatement. Few players in Long-Drive make as strong a commitment to their fitness & training as he does. “I enjoy working out and I feel strongly that my attention to those aspects of competing gives me an advantage on the tee deck.”

In addition to being a freak of fitness nature, McDougall’s day job couldn’t be further from the adrenalin soaked world of Professional Long-Driving – he’s a suit & tie wearing banker! “I have a pretty mild-mannered personality which serves me well at the bank, but when I get on the tee deck, that’s where I can really let loose.”

Hmmm…..sounds a little like Clark Kent & Superman – and given his capacity to drive a golf ball into the next county, that cape must be hidden in there somewhere!

Vincent ‘Pasta Man’ Ciurluini

Pasta Man Can’t Wait For THUNDERBALL! II

Few players in Long-Drive can compare professional resumes with the Vincent ‘Pasta Man’ Ciurluini. Not only is his competitive resume replete with a multitude of victories and high finishes, but he also carries an impressive media resume – professional actor, TV personality and current pitch-man for Dallas Prince Designs on Shop NBC.
“I live an absolutely charmed life.” says Ciurluini. “I get to compete with my buddies on the Long-Drive circuit, put on client exhibitions for great crowds while playing an active role both on-air and behind the scenes in our jewelry design business.”

At 45, Ciurluini comes off an incredibly successful 2008 season having won the Diamond in the Desert Classic and finishing 7th at the World Championships. “No doubt I am one of the more, shall we say experienced hitters in Long-Drive but with the way 2008 turned out I really feel there is a lot left in the tank.”

When the subject turns to participating in the next edition of THUNDERBALL! this September, Ciurluini leaves little doubt how much a victory would mean. “I spent hundreds of hours working with Colin on the development of his concept.” he says, adding “And I expect to see a return on that investment!”

Brooks ‘Big Kountry’ Baldwin

Take equal parts Toby Keith, Chris Jericho, Sergio Garcia and Luke Duke and you can come just within range of imagining the incredible presence that is Brooks ‘Big Kountry’ Baldwin. At 6′3″, 245lbs of pure, southern-fried power Baldwin brings fire and the fun of competition every time he steps on the tee deck.
“No one has more fun than me, no one goes after it like me, no one leaves more out there for people to see than me and it’s always been that way.” Says Baldwin. “I LOVE Long-Drive and it shows every time I’m out there.”

The Long-Drive world was shocked when in his very first event, The 2005 Alpha Classic, Baldwin took home first prize with a 405 yard flaming tater-tot in the finals that left the competition asking just who is this kid with the big smile and enormous drawl!
When asked about competing in the next THUNDERBALL!, Baldwin was unequivocal in his response. “That title, that show, that stage is built for me, and no one is going to stand in my way this time.”