At the heart of Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) lies the essence of Long Drive, propelled by the visionary leadership of Founder Olna Ford. Under her guid-ance, XDL has charted an extraordinary journey, hosting 38 successful events spanning 8 countries. With ownership of two national teams and a treasure trove of intellectual property, including 8 major events and the distribution of the largest purse in Long Drive history, XDL stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the sporting world. The mirror of XDL success is now recognised with two recent international business awards; Winners of BEST Sporting League New Zealand with APAC and Excellence in Innovation – Sporting Initiative of the Year 2024.
Driving Business with XDL & Pharmagenics
A Golden Partnership Beyond TEE Sponsorship
Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Pharmagenics, designating them as the GOLDEN BRAND on the New Zealand Long Blacks and Aussie Long Ballers Uniforms. This collaboration marks a historic moment in sports history, as Pharmagenics takes the Naming Rights Brand position for the renowned Trans Tasman Clash 23/24 Seasons.
The exclusive branding on the uniforms positions Pharmagenics prominently in the international media spotlight, showcasing their commitment to supporting the sport of Xtreme Drivers League. In addition to the prestigious GOLDEN BRAND position, Pharmagenics will also hold the exclusive title of the only JOINT Supplement promoted by XDL, further solidifying their role as a key partner in the league’s growth and success.
This partnership goes beyond a traditional sponsorship agreement, with Pharmagenics actively contributing to the expansion of Xtreme Drivers League. By investing in the performance of the athletes and providing superior supplements to the longest and fastest drivers in the league, Pharmagenics aims to enhance player capabilities and contribute to the overall success of XDL.
As part of the global expansion strategy, XDL will organically position Pharmagenics in various media outlets, ensuring widespread recognition for the brand. This strategic alliance not only benefits both parties but also elevates the stature of the Xtreme Drivers League and its athletes on the international stage.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pharmagenics as the GOLDEN BRAND on our uniforms and as the exclusive JOINT Supplement partner. This partnership symbolizes our shared commitment to excellence, performance, and global expansion,” said Olna Ford, Founder and Owner of Xtreme Drivers League.
Pharmagenics expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing their dedication to supporting athletes and promoting a healthy lifestyle. “We are honored to be associated with Xtreme Drivers League and look forward to contributing to the success of the league and its athletes. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance performance and well-being,” said Hong Park, Managing Director/Head Pharmacist o f Pharmagenics.
About Xtreme Drivers League (XDL):
Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) are WINNERS of BEST Sporting League New Zealand 2023 (APAC Business Awards). First NSO for the sport of Long Drivers (Golf) that created Sports History paying out the largest purse in Long Drive History landmarking 38 events in 8 countries thus far and forming both the New Zealand Long Blacks & Aussie Long Ballers who are at the forefront of media attention with the Trans Tasman Clash. XDL has achieved many world firsts and the year 2024 represents business developments that go beyond the tee. Visit www.xdlworldwide.com
About Pharmagenics:
Pharmagenics is a leading provider of high-quality supplements, with a focus on joint health and overall well-being. Committed to innovation and excellence, Pharmagenics is dedicated to supporting athletes and individuals in achieving peak performance. For more information, visit www.pharmagenics.co.nz
XDL driving excellence with PHARMAGENICS
Olna Ford,
Founder, Owner and CEO – Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) Check out the recent media coverage with International Business Awards (APAC) https://www.apac-insider.com/issues/business-awards-2023/
Live Sports just got more exciting as Wiistream partners with Xtreme Drivers League, XDL
Sport just got more exciting with the partnership of Wiistream and Xtreme Drivers League. The high-performance sport of XDL is about to soar worldwide with the expertise of Wiistream, leaders in OTT streaming solutions. From XDL headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand, to Wiistream HQ in Cork, Ireland. The media management merger was an obvious choice as the sport of fastest, longest drivers to a Golf ball (XDL aint Golf) needed an international media platform (not social media) to elevate the presence of the sport globally.
New Zealand Long Blacks take the Win
The famous IGANZ Trans Tasman Clash (New Zealand Long Blacks vs Aussie Long Ballers) has been famous since December 2017 when the two teams took to the tee for the inaugural national teams event. The Darrren Wise Stingray (trophy) is a heavy set and stunning masterpiece that represents the mutual waters between the two countries. The TTC has been through any challenging times such as the major bush fires in 2019 (pushing the event into 2020) and most recently, with the global pandemic closing boarders and pausing all events. Fast track to December 2022 and we are back on track. The Trans Tasman Clash took place in Port Douglas, at the Mirage Country Club along side a very special event with Survivor Golf. The teams were delighted to see that they made the news on arrival and with this the atmosphere was electric. Turning up the heat for the locals floodlights were transported in for the first night event and the party at the tee was alive before the grid was clear with the fantastic support of our Survivor Golf crew who were amazing.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/79c6d6bc-66e6-4c3f-9eb9-5b140983f372
XDL VIRTUAL GRID
The wait is over! XDL software is officially ready to drive the sport of Longest and Fastest hitters to a Golf Ball (But this ain’t Golf). The motivation to grow the game has been a tough one for Olna Ford who set out in 2016 to grow the sports awareness and opportunities for the players. Olna is the designer of the XDL Grid and the idea to have a virtual platform seemed more obvious during the global pandemic which is when Olna decided to partner with OPTISHOT. XDL Software will be our training tool, one that will be used to increase participation for our sport globally and will be used as an essential educational platform. XDL Software trailers will be available for purchase from 18th February 2023 with interest for these on the table already.
Golfers from “New Zealand-Australia-Japan” win “Asia Long Drive Championship 2022” for the first time in Thailand in Phuket
Today (September 18th) at the 11th hole, Laguna Phuket Golf Course, Thalang District, Phuket Province, there is an Asian long-distance golf tournament. in the semifinals and the final of the “Asia Long Drive Championship 2022”, which is the first time to be held in Thailand. in Phuket by Just Play Asia Sport management company, secetory of asia long drive association and international relation of Asia long drive association jointly organized Since September 16 at Laguna Phuket Golf Course, Thalang District, with golfers from different countries Participated in competitions such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and many other countries, a total of 60 people divided into Open Division, Women’s Division and Master Division levels, with a total prize pool of $35,000. which is the highest prize money And the winners of each category will also be able to participate in world-class distance golf tournaments.
59th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards Nominations announced
Media release
16 December 2021
79 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED FOR 59TH ISPS HANDA HALBERG AWARDS
Ceremony celebrating two years of sport to be held on 23 February 2022
The Halberg Foundation has today announced 79 nominations have been submitted from National Sports Organisations and an independent Nominations Board for the 59th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards.
Created by Olympic gold medallist Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ) in 1963 to honour and celebrate sporting excellence, the Awards are the major fundraiser for the Halberg Foundation – the charity he founded which aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled young New Zealanders by enabling them to participate in sport and recreation.
An independent Nominations Board, comprising respected individuals from the sports sector, has confirmed the nominations in six categories. The winners will be announced at the 59th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards at Spark Arena, Auckland on Wednesday 23 February 2022 and broadcast live on Sky Sport and free to air on Prime TV from 8pm.
The nominations come from 24 sporting codes for achievements within the last two years (1 December 2019 to 30 November 2021). This is a change from the standard 12 months due to the impact of COVID-19 on global sporting competitions with Halberg hosting a Decade Champion ceremony instead in March 2021.
The ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year has received the most nominations with 22 across 16 sports. The list includes Halberg Award Decade Champion rower Hamish Bond, four cyclists in George Bennett, Campbell Stewart, Corbin Strong and Aaron Gate; three motorsport drivers – Scott Dixon, Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin; and two sailors, Josh Junior and Andy Maloney. Black Caps captain Kane Williamson and All Black Sevens captain Scott Curry are nominated along with shot-putter Tom Walsh, footballer Chris Wood, trampolinist Dylan Schmidt, squash player Paul Coll; swimmer Lewis Clareburt, skier Nico Porteous; triathlete Hayden Wilde; jockey James McDonald; canoe slalom paddler Finn Butcher and boxer David Nyika.
There are 10 nominations for the ISPS Handa Para Athlete/Team of the Year including six-time winner Sophie Pascoe and fellow Para swimmer Tupou Neiufi. Five Para athletics nominees have been put forward; Anna Grimaldi, Holly Robinson, Lisa Adams, Will Stedman and Danielle Aitchison; along with three from Para cycling; Nicole Murray, Sarah Ellington and the Women’s Tandem of Emma Foy and Hannah van Kampen.
The High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year award attracted 13 nominations covering 10 sports. They comprise Decade Champion winner Lisa Carrington, three cyclists Mikayla Harvey, Niamh Fisher-Black and Ellesse Andrews; triple supreme winner Dame Valerie Adams; canoe slalom athlete Luuka Jones; footballer Ria Percival; rower Emma Twigg; golfer Lydia Ko; two from snow sports Alice Robinson and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott; motocross rider Courtney Duncan and Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Hirini.
The ISPS Handa Team of the Year has 14 nominations from 11 sports. The list includes 2019 supreme award winner the Silver Ferns, the OlyWhites, two cycling teams – the Madison pair of Aaron Gate and Campbell Stewart and men’s Team Pursuit. Two rowing teams – the Women’s Pair of Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast and the Men’s Eight; sailing duo Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, Emirates Team New Zealand; tennis doubles pair Marcus Daniell and Michael Venus are nominated. The Black Caps, Black Ferns Sevens, New Zealand Croquet team, Women’s K2500 of Lisa Carrington and Caitlin Regal and the New Zealand Long Blacks round out the list.
The nominees for Para Athlete/Team, Sportswoman, Sportsman and Team are all eligible for the supreme Halberg Award, the country’s highest accolade for sport excellence.
There are 12 nominations for the Buddle Findlay Coach of the Year including the Decade Champion Gordon Walker. The Women’s Canoe Sprint team coach and his fellow canoe racing coach Nathan Luce are up along with Black Ferns Sevens co-coaches Allan Bunting and Cory Sweeney and Gary Stead who guided the Black Caps. Three nominations are in the pool including Gary Hollywood who led Lewis Clareburt, Sophie Pascoe’s coach Roly Crichton and fellow Para swimmer Tupou Neiufi’s coach Sheldon Kemp. Tony O’Connor for the Men’s Rowing Eight, Dale Stevenson coach of Dame Valerie Adams and Tom Walsh; OlyWhites coach Danny Hay, men’s cycling coach Craig Palmer and windsurfing coach Aaron McIntosh are also up.
The Sky Sport Emerging Talent Award has attracted eight outstanding nominations for rising young athletes. Two nominees are from snow sports; snowboarder Cool Wakushima and freestyle skier Luca Harrington along with discus thrower Connor Bell; OlyWhites midfielder Marko Staminic; swimmer Erica Fairweather; goal shooter Grace Nweke; Para cyclist Devon Briggs and canoe slalom athlete George Snook.
The ISPS Handa Halberg Awards judges – comprising mainly former elite athletes and coaches, sports administrators and current sports media – will now review the nominations and vote on a shortlist of finalists to be announced in January 2022.
The ISPS Handa Halberg Awards is New Zealand sport’s biggest night of the year, staged in a glittering black-tie ceremony at Spark Arena, Auckland on Wednesday 23 February 2022 and televised live and free to air on Sky Sport and Prime TV. Two other awards will be presented on the night; New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment the public vote category and Sport New Zealand Leadership. Tickets are available now by contacting awards@halberg.co.nz.
“The Halberg Foundation is delighted with the extensive array of nominations from diverse sporting codes that have been submitted for the Awards,” says Halberg Foundation Chief Executive, Shelley McMeeken.
“The quality of performances is even more remarkable given the challenging environment of the past two years. We look forward to bringing together the best of New Zealand sport for an evening of celebration in February 2022.”
Full list of nominations for the 59th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards
ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year (eligible for supreme Halberg Award)
Aaron Gate (cycling – track), Andy Maloney (sailing), Campbell Stewart (cycling – track), Chris Wood (football), Corbin Strong (cycling – track), David Nyika (boxing), Dylan Schmidt (gymnastics), Finn Butcher (canoe slalom), George Bennett (cycling – road), Hamish Bond (rowing), Hayden Wilde (triathlon), James McDonald (horse-racing), Josh Junior (sailing), Kane Williamson (cricket), Lewis Clareburt (swimming), Nico Porteous (freeskiing), Paul Coll (squash), Scott Curry (Rugby Sevens), Scott Dixon (motorsport), Scott McLaughlin (motorsport), Shane van Gisbergen (motorsport), Tom Walsh (athletics).
ISPS Handa Para Athlete/Team of the Year (eligible for supreme Halberg Award)
Anna Grimaldi (Para athletics), Danielle Aitchison (Para athletics), Emma Foy & Hannah van Kampen (Para cycling), Holly Robinson (Para athletics), Lisa Adams (Para athletics), Nicole Murray (Para cycling), Sarah Ellington (Para cycling), Sophie Pascoe (Para swimming), Tupou Neiufi (Para swimming), Will Stedman (Para athletics).
High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year (eligible for supreme Halberg Award)
Alice Robinson (alpine ski racing), Courtney Duncan (motocross), Ellesse Andrews (cycling – track), Emma Twigg (rowing), Lisa Carrington (canoe racing), Luuka Jones (canoe slalom), Lydia Ko (golf), Mikayla Harvey (cycling – road), Niamh Fisher-Black (cycling – Road), Sarah Hirini (rugby sevens), Ria Percival (football), Dame Valerie Adams (athletics), Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (snowboarding).
ISPS Handa Team of the Year (eligible for supreme Halberg Award)
Black Caps (cricket), Black Ferns Sevens (rugby sevens), Emirates Team New Zealand (sailing), Marcus Daniell and Michael Venus (tennis), Men’s Madison – Aaron Gate and Campbell Stewart (cycling – track), Men’s Team Pursuit – Aaron Gate, Campbell Stewart, Corbin Strong, Jordan Kerby, Regan Gough (cycling – track); New Zealand Golf Croquet Team (croquet), New Zealand Long Blacks (long drive), OlyWhites (football), Peter Burling and Blair Tuke (sailing), Rowing Men’s Eight (rowing), Silver Ferns (netball), Women’s K2 500 – Lisa Carrington and Caitlin Regal (canoe racing), Women’s Pair Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast (rowing).
Buddle Findlay Coach of the Year
Aaron McIntosh (windsurfing), Allan Bunting and Cory Sweeney (rugby), Craig Palmer (cycling – track), Dale Stevenson (athletics), Danny Hay (football), Gary Hollywood (swimming), Gary Stead (cricket), Gordon Walker (canoe racing), Nathan Luce (canoe racing), Roly Crichton (Para swimming), Sheldon Kemp (Para swimming), Tony O’Connor (rowing).
Sky Sport Emerging Talent
Connor Bell (athletics), Cool Wakushima (snowboarding), Devon Briggs (Para cycling), Erica Fairweather (swimming), George Snook (canoe slalom), Grace Nweke (netball), Luca Harrington (freestyle skiing), Marko Staminic (football).
For more information please contact:
Ian Hepenstall, Halberg Foundation, 027 561 3181, media@halberg.co.nz
Go to www.halbergawards.co.nz. Search ‘ISPS Handa Halberg Awards’ on Facebook or HalbergFoundation on Instagram.
About the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards
Named after Olympic champion Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ, MBE), the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards is the country’s pre-eminent event to honour and celebrate New Zealand sporting excellence. It also provides the Halberg Foundation with a flagship fundraising opportunity for Sir Murray’s charity, which aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled New Zealanders by enabling them to participate in sport and recreation. The Halberg Foundation has a team of Advisers around the country who connect physically disabled young people to sport and recreation opportunities, they also deliver an inclusion training course on adapting physical activity and assist clubs, schools and organisations to provide inclusive events and programmes. The Halberg Games is a three-day national sports competition for physically disabled young people. For more information go to www.halbergawards.co.nz.
The ‘breathtaking’ spot this golf guru is desperate to visit
A quick word with Olna Ford, owner of New Zealand Long Blacks, CEO and President of IGANZ New Zealand Long Drive & Xtreme Drivers League.
IGANZ – XTREME DRIVERS LEAGUE TO BUILD RANGE SPECIFIC TO THE SPORT.
NEW ZEALAND; MARCH 3, 2021 – IGANZ and Cavalier Homes Waikato today announced the Xtreme Drivers Range (“XDR”) facility that will be built in New Zealand, the first of 20 planned facilities around the globe. The XDR portfolio has interest from overseas with the first rights to New Zealand and Australia. The complete build cost will be disclosed revealing the historic address for this build later in the year.
Xtreme Drivers Range is designed by IGANZ as a 24/7 Driving Range facility that boasts the home grid for XDL championships. A high-performance training zone, gym, retail and commercial space for elite business, are included in the 4 stage-design and construction process for XDR. The very core of this project is to build a training facility and grid for Xtreme Drivers League athletes.
“As an organization based in New Zealand, we could not be more excited to partner with Cavalier Homes Waikato, for the build of our first of many XDR locations” said Olna Ford, Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, CEO & President of New Zealand Long Drive and CEO & President of International Xtreme Drivers League Federation. “Our athletes will finally have the proper set up for practice and competition and Cavalier Homes Waikato is the perfect partner to help us build our dream environment for IGANZ – XDL Champions”
Xtreme Drivers League will kick off the 2022 season with a virtual tournament in partnership with OptiShot Golf, leading into the Global XDL Tour Championship, sponsored by Cavalier Homes in Dubai. Registration is currently open for qualifiers.
For more information on XDL and the announcement of the XDL TOUR, please follow @xtremedriversleague on Instagram, @XDL on Facebook + www.iganz.co.nz
Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is a subsidiary of IGANZ (International Golf Associates New Zealand).
Contact:
Alyson Ramsey Johnson
Gilly Group
973.886.7884
LARGEST PRIZE PURSE IN LONG DRIVE ANNOUNCED ON XTREME DRIVERS TOUR, BUILT BY NEW ZEALAND’S IGANZ & CAVALIER HOMES
NEW ZEALAND; FEBRUARY 26, 2021 – Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) today announced Cavalier Homes as the major sponsor of the IGANZ – Global Tour Championship 2022. The largest purse in professional Long Drive of $1,000,000 USD and a total investment of $1.5 million USD from the sponsorship. IGANZ paid out the largest purse in the sports history for in 2019/2020 and with the rebrand to Xtreme Drivers League, IGANZ is set to commercialise the sport increasing the prize-purse every Tour Championship.
The newly established Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) has already positioned the sport of Long Drive as a subcategory of golf in effort to provide athletes, events, and sponsors of the game with a more defined brand, along with an opportunity to introduce the sport to the Olympic Games. To that point, IGANZ has received certificates for both the International Long Drive Federation and International Xtreme Drivers League Federation in a step closer to establishing the sport of long drive as a potential future Olympic event.
“As an organization based in New Zealand, we could not be more excited to partner with Cavalier Homes, who is recognized due to their commitment creating quality, products for our local communities” said Olna Ford, Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, CEO & President of New Zealand Long Drive and CEO & President of International Xtreme Drivers League Federation. “This partnership allows us to have the largest prize purse in the sport which provides so many more opportunities for our athletes.”
“Cavalier Homes is a trusted luxury home build company that has a genuine connection to our clients and a shared vision to support the growth of Xtreme Drivers League as well as the fans that are so passionate about the sport: said JP Liebenberg, Owner of Cavalier Homes Waikato, “We look forward to watching both our relationship and the fan support grow over the next few years”.
For more information on XDL and the announcement of the XDL TOUR, please follow @xtremedriversleague on Instagram, @XDL on Facebook + www.iganz.co.nz
Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is a subsidiary of IGANZ (International Golf Associates New Zealand).
Contact:
Alyson Ramsey Johnson
Gilly Group
973.886.7884
GILLY GROUP NAMED GLOBAL AGENCY OF RECORD FOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS BY IGANZ XTREME DRIVERS LEAGUE
NEW JERSEY; FEBRUARY 20, 2021 – Gilly Group today announced that it has been named global agency of record for marketing and strategic communications by IGANZ, responsible for supporting the launch of the newly established Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) and Global XDL Tour Championship as well as the operations of the Long Drive events that will take place in the United States.
“Gilly Group was the obvious choice for IGANZ to work with given their upstanding work and strong connections within the Golf industry” said Olna Ford, Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, CEO & President of New Zealand Long Drive and CEO & President of Xtreme Drivers League, “Partnering with a fellow female entrepreneur was an added bonus. Alyson brings almost 25 years of golf industry knowledge to this project, in which we have established Long Drive as a stand-alone sport while still celebrating the sports roots in the golf space.”
The virtual tour was announced last month in partnership with golf simulator company, OptiShot Golf. Due to the ongoing travel and safety issues caused by the pandemic, the first season of the Xtreme Drivers Tour will be held virtually, with over 23 countries entering competing athletes OptiShot Golf BallFlight product will be used in the 2022 Virtual Long Drive season that will culminate in the Global Tour Championship event in Dubai at the conclusion of the season.
“It’s always exciting to have your fingerprints on the groundwork for a new brand or event and IGANZ and the Global Tour have such incredible opportunity ahead” said Alyson Ramsey Johnson, Gilly Group CEO and President. “We look forward to partnering with IGANZ to bring these new properties to life for golf and Long Drive fans around the globe.”
For more information on XDL and the announcement of the XDL TOUR, please follow @xtremedriversleague on Instagram and the website at www.iganz.co.nz. Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is a subsidiary of IGANZ (International Golf Associates New Zealand).
About Gilly Group
Gilly Group is a woman-owned boutique sports marketing agency focused on building brands through marketing, sponsorship activation, event management and digital advertising. Based in the New York metro area, Gilly Group was established in 2015. More information can be found at www.gillygroup.com.
Contact:
LeslieAnne Wade
White Tee Partners
917.751.7693
OptiShot and IGANZ Partner to Create Virtual Long Drive Experience
OPTISHOT GOLF SIGNS AS THE OFFICIAL SIMULATOR PARTNER OF GLOBAL XTREME DRIVERS TOUR
BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN; JANUARY 26, 2021 – OptiShot Golf, a global golf simulator company based out of the United States, today announced a strategic partnership with New Zealand’s IGANZ, founder of the newly established Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) and the Global Xtreme Drivers Tour.
“We are thrilled to be able to support the Global Xtreme Drivers Tour in their first season,” said Kevin Johnston, OptiShot Golf’s President, “Our technology offers golfers and Long Drive competitors a way to play the game they love from the comfort and safety of their own space. What’s most exciting to me is that around the world, fans of the sport can become part of the season in a fun and affordable way by logging their shot statistics against the best Long Drivers around the globe. It’s a great way to introduce the sport, and our brand, to a new audience.”
Due to the ongoing travel and safety issues caused by the pandemic, the first season of the Xtreme Drivers Tour will be held virtually, with over 23 countries entering competing athletes OptiShot Golf BallFlight product will be used in the 2022 Virtual Long Drive season that will culminate in the Global Tour Championship event in Dubai at the conclusion of the season.
OptiShot’s shot tracking technology allows for amateurs to try their hand against the stats of the world’s longest hitters which creates a multitude of additional opportunities for sponsored events, fundraising efforts, and maybe even bragging rights.
“Recently established as a stand-alone sport, we are working hard to create new and exciting ways for fans and athletes to participate in our Long Drive events” said Olna Ford, Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, CEO and President of New Zealand Long Drive and CEO of Xtreme Drivers League. “Partnering with OptiShot Golf gives us an innovative way to bring Long Drive home to our fans while providing our athletes with a competitive global TOUR in a safe way.”
For more information on XDL and the announcement of the XDL TOUR, please follow @xtremedriversleague on Instagram and the website at www.iganz.co.nz. #golfjustgotloud
ABOUT OPTISHOT GOLF
OptiShot® Golf, home to the best-selling “Golf-in-a-Box” series, offers affordable and accurate state-of-the-art technology in its simulators. Equipped with a guarantee to improve each user’s game, the OptiShot simulator lineup allows for single player experiences up to a four-person scramble. Experience famed courses throughout the world from the comforts of home and no tee time required.
Tee up against competitors around the world with its online gaming platform: OptiShot Season Pass™. Weekly live tournaments and closest-to-the-pin challenges offer golfers a chance to compete for real prizes and bragging rights.
Learn more about the full OptiShot Golf simulator lineup by visiting optishotgolf.com. Follow OptiShot Golf on Instagram (@OptiShotGolf), Twitter (@OptiShotGolf), and Facebook (/OptiShotGolf) to stay up-to-date with the latest offerings.
Contact:
Alyson Ramsey Johnson
Gilly Group
973.886.7884
alyson@gillygroup.com
LONG DRIVE SMASHES INTO 2021 WITH NEW RECOGNITION, TOUR, AND BRAND
XDL (Xtreme Drivers League) is established as a golf sub-category in effort to bring Long Drive to the Olympics.
NEW ZEALAND; JANUARY 14, 2021 – With 26 events successfully completed in five countries, two national teams established, and the largest prize purse paid in the history of Long Drive, CEO & President Olna Ford has taken the sport to a new and exciting level.
The newly established Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is set to position the sport of Long Drive as a subcategory of golf in effort to provide athletes, events, and sponsors of the game with a more defined brand, along with an opportunity to introduce the sport to the Olympic Games.
Since its inception, the sport of Long Drive has been deeply intertwined with the game of golf. Still, there are many nuances that set it apart as a new and exciting, high performance sport. “It’s time to not only recognize the differences of Long Drive and celebrate our sport’s unique history, but also look to the future and create opportunities to broaden the reach of the sport and the exposure for our athletes who deserve every opportunity to compete in and showcase the sport they are so passionate about.” said Olna Ford, Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, CEO & President of New Zealand Long Drive and CEO & President of Xtreme Drivers League. “We are excited about the future of Long Drive, and will be celebrating our progress on our social channels with the hashtag #golfjustgotloud’.”
Ford has established the Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) which is poised to become a global tour series with qualifying events taking place in partnering countries including the United States and the World Tour Championship to be hosted in the Middle East. Details have been put on hold due to the ongoing pandemic and will be announced at a later date with media and sports officials.
For more information on XDL and the announcement of the XDL TOUR, please follow @xtremedriversleague on Instagram and the website at www.iganz.co.nz.
Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is a subsidiary of IGANZ (International Golf Associates New Zealand).