XDL Christchurch Regional Championship Ignites Legacy, Community, and the Road to Nationals

When the first tee lit up at the XDL Christchurch Regional Championship 2025, the sound of power hitters launching drives into the night marked more than just another competition — it signaled the beginning of a new legacy for Christchurch. For the first time, Canterbury hosted an official XDL Regional Championship, and the result was nothing short of electric. From the backing of Goodwin Excavations, to the roar of the crowd celebrating record-setting drives, the event proved that XDL is more than a sport — it’s a movement bringing community, business, and entertainment together.

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A Historic Flashback with New Purpose

The Christchurch championship was steeped in meaning. Back in 2017, XDL founder Olna Ford hosted New Zealand’s very first South Island Long Drive Championship in Christchurch. That moment planted a seed. This year’s event became a flashback — only bigger, louder, and infused with a fresh sense of ambition for the future.

“Christchurch will always be a landmark for us,” Olna shared. “What made this year powerful was the way sponsors and the community got behind it. One decision led to another, and suddenly, we had a full championship stage.”

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Local Heroes, Local Businesses

The inaugural Christchurch Regional wasn’t possible without the backbone of committed sponsors and supporters.

● Goodwin Excavations took the driver’s seat as Title Sponsor, setting the tone for the championship’s momentum.

● Waterways & Civil, Erect Scaffolding, and Thermaclad Insulations stepped up with category sponsorships, creating pathways for athletes across divisions.

● MC - Josh Henderson, local motorsport commentator kept the spectators and players entertained and up to date. Continued thanks to partners — including Giltrap Christchurch, Golf Warehouse, Recreation Station, Blueberry, World Traveller Riccarton, Sign Pursuit, Red DJs, Hurrells, Brilliant Rentals, and Airport Palms Motel thanks to Katie Dixon and Samantha Usai for driving our socials — elevated the event experience.

And then there was Templeton Golf Club, who didn’t just host, but threw open their arms. Their staff went above and beyond to make sure the grounds, facilities, and atmosphere matched the occasion.

The result? A championship that looked, felt, and sounded like something built to last.

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Special Moments on the Tee

Every XDL event has its highlights, but Christchurch delivered moments that will be remembered for years to come:

● Young Jessie Mercer stole the show, breaking a new record for the women’s division with a 297m drive that had the crowd on its feet.

● Katie Dixon was officially named to the New Zealand Long Blacks team, joining an elite lineup of power hitters who will represent the nation on the international stage.

Moments like these show how XDL not only entertains but also creates pathways for athletes to rise to new heights.

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Stars on the Tee

Men’s Open – Sponsored by Goodwin Excavations

● 🥇 George Wardell – 356m

● 🥈 Chris Charlton – 326m

● 🥉 Andrew Storm

Women’s Open – Sponsored by Goodwin Excavations

● 🥇 Katie Dixon – 270m

● 🥈 Jessie Mercer – 222m

● 🥉 Kate Bain

Men’s Masters – Sponsored by Waterway & Civil

● 🥇 Grieg Mooney – 289m

● 🥈 Andrew Storm – 253m

● 🥉 Jim Lapsley

Women’s Masters – Sponsored by Waterway & Civil

● 🥇 Christine Kinita - 171m

Longest Drive Awards – Sponsored by Erect Scaffolding

● Men’s: George Wardell – 356m

● Women’s: Jessie Mercer – 297m

● Masters Men’s: Grieg Mooney – 299m

● Masters Women’s: Christine – 171m

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Building Toward Nationals and Beyond

The Christchurch Regional was more than just an event; it was a gateway. Athletes who qualified will now take their shot at XDL Nationals, and from there, the international stage beckons. But perhaps even more important was what the event sparked off the tee. Conversations are already underway for a bigger, bolder Christchurch event in 2026. With a foundation of strong local sponsors and a community that showed up in force, the appetite is clear: Christchurch is ready to be home to one of the premier stops on the XDL circuit.

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Driving Revenues, Driving Community

Even when the course itself is closed, XDL events generate new streams of revenue for local clubs, showcasing how sport can be both entertaining and financially empowering. The Christchurch Regional is a model of how clubs and communities can grow stronger through innovation.

This is XDL’s promise: to take a thrilling, fast-paced sport and connect it with business, tourism, and community pride.

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Looking Ahead

The XDL Christchurch Regional Championship 2025 is now etched in history as the first South Island regional to carry the official XDL banner. It will be remembered as the night when local businesses, athletes, and fans all came together to do something bigger than themselves.

And it’s only the beginning. 2026 promises to be bigger, brighter, and bolder. Christchurch has proven it’s ready. The stage is set. Because from one decision, a movement has begun — and its drive is only getting stronger.