Xtreme Drivers League enter today - NZ Long Blacks

Golfer Pacific NZ media partner Xtreme Driver’s league -NZ Long Blacks

By Olna Ford

New Zealand Long Blacks are the national team of longest and fastest hitters to golf. I formed the New

Zealand Long Blacks in 2017 to profile the sport of Long Drive, and grow the sport internationally. New Zealand Long Blacks were named by the nation with a clever (name-our-team promotion)

I asked the Crowd Goes Wild for media support and with this the national team’s logo was revealed on television (Long Blacks coming in as the hot favourite) Our national team was scouted at the first IGANZ North & South Long Drive Championships and within 8 months the Trans Tasman Clash was announced to bring the sport alive with our fellow neighbours. I quickly pushed for our New Zealand Long Blacks to compete in Australia and with this the Australian Long Ballers was formed.

December 15th 2017, history was landmarked at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, Sydney, NSW, with the 1st Trans Tasman Clash, successfully completed. The Australian Long Ballers took the win and the famous Darren Wise - Stingray Trophy remained on Aussie turf this occasion. Both teams signatures reside on the wall

of fame at the Greg Norman course and the Trans Tasman Clash, an annual event. The TTC hosting alternates between countries with a few challenges such as

Australian bushfires and the pandemic pushing out original dates. The statement to plant the seed firmly in the ground for the sport took on a literal sense when a

time capsule was laid in Papamoa to celebrate the first anniversary of the sport at national team level. Papamoa was the location of the first IGANZ Long Drive

championship and where the 1st New Zealand Long Blacks were discovered. The time capsule is famously located at the Pap House (Locals lounge). Fast track

to 2020 and in the midst of a global pandemic, the New Zealand Long Blacks are at the forefront of further sports history with a registered trademark to launch

Xtreme Drivers League now recognised on New Zealand Long Blacks logo. XDL is the sport that has successfully highlighted the variables that pertain only to the

Xtreme Drivers and separates it from the term GOLF. About to make some noise I thought it was fitting to register our tagline- Golf Just Got LOUD! with 7 other

trademarks that encompass the sport Xtreme Drivers League. The New Zealand Long Blacks were proud major sponsors of the Nelson PGA Pro-Am this year. The

sponsorship was a new initiative to support golf in New Zealand, whilst growing the profile and sport of Xtreme Drivers League. Mr Paul West is captain of the

New Zealand Long Blacks Captain - Paul West

New Zealand Long Blacks, I feel so fortunate to have Paul at the helm as he is the most honourable guy you could ask for, to lead a national team. There

are so many new ventures to be excited about in 2021, such as the promotion of the New Zealand Long Blacks (women’s team), the announcement of Phillis

Meti as captain; she is currently our 2 x New Zealand women’s XDL champion, 3 x world champion and 2 x world record breaker. A national teams website and

e-store are being worked on and launching in February 2021. Thanking everyone that has been a part of the New Zealand Long Blacks, bred from pure passion for

sport and drive to grow Xtreme Drivers League. A special thanks to the amazing Darren Wise - Stainless Steel Sculpture Artist for producing IGANZ masterpieces

including the famous Trans Tasman Clash Stingray and believing in the IGANZ vision.. The Stingray currently resides at the home club of the New Zealand Long

Blacks (Pupuke Golf Club) The New Zealand Long Blacks are back-to-back champions to date and are determined to house the Stingray on home turf. Training

for the win!

By Olna Ford

“Building business on and off the tee with Cavalier Homes!”

What a way to start the year 2021 smashing out the event calendar with an agreement to have Cavalier Homes as title sponsor for XDL events

nationwide. Thanks to JP Liebenberg who headed the collaboration and got things across the line, at great

speed. Super excited to work with JP and his team both in New Zealand and Australia. Happy to announce a two

year partnership that will see events grow in regions of interest to Cavalier Homes. From the first Long Drive

championship in 2017 with our Golden Cap - Sam Jones taking the New Zealand title, it’s been a long journey

seeking the right corporates to work alongside with. Fast track to 2021 we are growing three divisions; Men’s

Open, Women’s and Master’s and with this our demographic reach is vast as this dynamic sport is not golf. It’s

the one sport that allows participation of other sports codes so our spectators will see professional sportsmen

such as rugby and cricket players smashing it out for titles. The phones off and quiet at the tee is thrown out

for our events as our sport turns up the volume with a DJ playing. It’s fun for everyone with a kids event to keep

our little champs entertained and no shortage of laughs and wows screaming from spectators as we see personalities

flourish and talents unfold before our eyes. It is definitely a right fit to collaborate with Cavalier Homes

as we bring the community together for entertainment .Cavalier Homes is the trusted company that builds

beautiful houses we all wish to go home to. Together we will grow business and sport throughout both New

Zealand and Australia. I know after picking up the phone to many corporations, those who will go the extra miles

with you and for you...Cavalier Homes is more than a title sponsor they are part of our team, together we are

stronger and our reach is greater because we stand with a heartfelt business that understands about solid foundations.

Excited beyond words to have Cavalier Homes at the forefront of XDL championships New Zealand &

Australia.