By Kent Gray
Joe Miller has a simple message for any UAE golfer with designs on qualifying for Friday night’s 2018 Long Drive World Series season opener in Dubai – and it’s not one your local club pro, nor any chiropractor, would likely endorse.

The two-time world champion is one of 12 of heavy hitters confirmed for the Jumeirah Golf Estates event from 7pm. There are also four places available in the main field at an open qualifier earlier on Friday (10am) but with long drive specialists flying in from the U.S. and South Africa at their own expense, the heat will be on.

Related: ‘Blonde Bomber’ Burke back to defend title

LDWS Portugal champion Ryan Reisbeck was a Thursday qualifier in Dubai last year and went on to reach the final. It has Miller urging UAE amateurs to leave absolutely nothing in the tank – with any swing.

“My advice for all you guys trying to come out here and qualify is just, No.1, swing it as fast as you possibly can, okay,” said Miller via video message.

“No one is going to take notice of you if you fill the grid up, eight balls out of eight. All they want to see is pure speed and power so make sure you give it to ‘em, and give it to ‘em fast.”

For an example of the “fast” of which Miller speaks of, take a look at this slow-mo of his powerful swing.

The Dubai event is the first of 10 scheduled for 2018 and has Miller in a bullish mood.

“I’m feeling good, I’ve got to say. I’ve been training hard over the winter period and I’m just waiting for it to get under way and find out if we’ve made some improvements over the winter period,” Miller said. “Most of all I’m [looking forward] to competing against these guys. These are the best in the world and if you ever want to know how good you are, this is where you’ve got to be.”

American Tim Burke, who goes by the nickname “Blonde Bomber, is defending champion and looks to have his swing in synch:

Englishman James Tait looks to be swinging it sweetly as well, or at least frighteningly hard anyway.

The LDWS is again being staged on the JGE driving range where the organisers have promised “bitter rivalries, big personalities, sudden-death knock outs…with pyrotechnics, DJs, walk-on music, a licensed setting, DJs, food trucks and free entry”.

Get yourself in the mood with the season bow promo here: