PINE HILLS, Fla. – FAMU alumnus Maurice Allen (USA), professional long drive competitor, is now the No. 1 Long Drive competitor in the world. His championship at the Catawba Classic, Catawba CC, Hickory, N.C., was his second win in as many events and moved him from No. 4 to No. 1 in the rankings.
Three wins on the season have put Allen in prime position for the Volvik World Long Drive Championship. Allen hit a monster drive of 395 yards with a Krank driver in a Rev shaft and Volvik Divot XT ball, in the final match to beat Trent Scruggs putting him back on the podium.
This is Allen’s first time as the No. 1 competitor in the World Long Drive rankings. He moved quickly through the rankings this past month with a win at the Mile High Showdown in July, followed by his victory at the Catawba Classic this week. This was also Allen’s third victory of the season, the most of any competitor this year.
“To be No. 1 in the world is a great blessing and honor,” said Allen. “But I find it to be more of a responsibility than something that one can brag about. In the critical state of the sport of Long Drive, I feel that it is my responsibility to grow the sport and make it better in my tenure as the No. 1 ranked player. The Golf Channel has done an amazing job to give us a platform to showcase our talent, now it’s on the players to step up and as world No. 1. I must lead the way.”
Allen has created quite the buzz on the WLD circuit this season. His interview on the Golf Channel following his win at the Mile High Showdown went viral after he did a spot-on imitation of Pro Wrestler Ric Flair. (Video link is below.) The response was immediate and positive, earning Allen a Tweet from Ric Flair with his approval!
“I grew up watching wrestlers like Ric Flair and right before I came out on the tee for the event my friend sent me a message ‘if you win give me two claps and Ric Flair,’ so I did,” said Allen.
Allen’s complete schedule can be found at www.mauriceallen360.com.
About Maurice Allen
Allen, who grew up in Pine Hills, Florida, earned a biology degree from Florida A&M University. He attended chiropractic school in Atlanta, where he also became a student of the game of golf. After countless hours of practice around the Atlanta area, he set a new Guinness World Record for golf ball speed (211 mph), using a 3 wood. His longest drive in competition is 484 yards. In 2015, 2016 Allen competed on the Long Drivers European Tour, where he won tour champion title, based on points.
In addition to his professional long drive competition, Allen is committed to giving back to his community. He dedicates time to the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association, which provides inner-city youth with the opportunity to learn the game of golf while attaining skills to succeed in life. He also is a Boys and Girls Club Ambassador of Golf.
