With October comes the long drivers, and once again they have flocked to the city, booking hotels to near capacity, jamming the casinos and filling the sky with high flying power shots.

For the 13^th year the city of Mesquite is the backdrop for the Re/Max World Long Drive Championship.

This year, over 250 of the sport's most powerful hitters will vie for their share of a total purse of $450,000.

Qualifying rounds are underway early this week at the Mesquite Sports and Events Complex, with the finals taking place on Friday evening.

This is a sport that continues to enjoy a growing fan base, with qualifying events taking place all over the globe throughout the year.

All of it leads up to an exciting week of championship play in Mesquite.

The competitors are divided into three divisions, with each division offering a championship trophy and cash.

And for the first time in the competition’s history, one man has managed to qualify in all three divisions.

Bobby Wilson, who is no stranger to the winners circle having taken the top prize in the senior division in 2004, will compete in the seniors (age 45+), the super seniors (age 53+) and the open division.

Having cranked a shot of 415 yards over the weekend, Wilson has an excellent chance to break through and make history as the sport's first triple crown winner.

Qualifying rounds will continue through Thursday with the final rounds beginning on Friday at 5 p.m.

On Wednesday night the Military Long Drive champion will be crowned.

This is an event open only to members of the military and their families.

Finalists will battle it out for the $10,000 winner-take-all prize, and the event will be hosted by legendary golf analyst David Feherty.

This event not only offers these long drivers the chance for some cash and military bragging rights, it is also proving to be a great avenue for these players to pick up some sponsors.

The event is taking place for just the second time in the newly constructed Mesquite Sports and Events Complex.

Prior to that it was held on the driving range at the Palms Golf Club.

But initially the site for the Long Drive was the first hole of the CasaBlanca golf course.

In 1997 the Long Drive competition moved from Las Vegas to Mesquite at the behest of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

They set up shop that first year on the number one hole thinking the 410 yard par four would be plenty long enough.

It was not, as many of the players overshot the green, and this was using the old smaller metalwood drivers that were around in those days.

Then at the conclusion of the competition, a fireworks display started a brush fire in the nearby fields.

The competition moved to Arizona the following year, to the Palms' wide open range, and it has grown in scope with every passing year.

Now with the Sports and Events Center on line (formerly named Mesquite Regional Park) it appears the Long Drive Competition has found a permanent home.

While the new SEC offers stunning backdrops for the big hitters, it also brings with it the strong possibility of gusty winds.

Sunday's qualifying rounds had to be postponed until 3 p.m. from a scheduled 9 a.m. start as winds were gusting to 40 mph.

If the wind is blowing slightly through the valley, one can rest assured that it is whipping pretty well up high next to the mesa.

But the weather cooperated, qualifying began promptly at three, and after all, a little wind is not going to affect these power hitters much.

Once again, ESPN will be out to film the event for a Christmas holidays broadcast.

Bleachers have been erected to accommodate the throngs that are expected to show up for the final rounds and all events are free of charge.