In Full Swing with the XDL North Island Champs
In Full Swing with the XDL North Island Champs
Sam Jones - Winner of Men’s Open XDL North Island Champion (2021 title)
Golden Cap to XDL & 1st New Zealand Long Black
Recently, out of the longest COVID lockdown in New Zealand, the postponed New Horizon XDL Championship (North Island 2021 title) was a great success. The pandemic response has posed strict rules around events including; Limited numbers, vaccine passports and a host of other expectations. The day brought a good show of spectators and interest from sponsors who have watched the IGANZ events take to the tee. The women’s title remains with current North Island and New Zealand Champion ( Phillis Meti MNZM) who won by default due to players in this division isolating and the remainder of players just wishing to hit in a non-competitor round. The Masters division had a strong group of hitters with Mr Paul West (Captain of New Zealand Long Blacks) taking the win with a beautiful straight drive to 303 meters with Andrew Storm taking second place with a 290 meter drive. Leon Tasker the 2020 XDL Masters Champion, taking 3rd place after being knocked out by Andrew in the semi finals. The Men’s Open division saw a strong and large group of both amatuer and professional players. Sam Jones the first IGANZ Long Drive North Island and New Zealand Champion certainly proved he’s a natural taking the Men’s Open Win with a 319 meter drive. Sam was named the 1st New Zealand Long Black and is a Golden Cap to the sport with IGANZ and was the 1st player sent to the United States of America to compete. Known on the golf circuit with many title wins in New Zealand, Sam has been educated with one of the best Universities in the United States, with his coaching and representation in Golf stemming from the USA. Another amazing competitor and New Zealand Long Black, Nick Hanna taking 2nd with a 280 meter drive. Nick is consistent with his drives and another well played golfer. Adam Taylor taking 3rd place, also a New Zealand Long Black, Adam is well known in the Long Drive circle with his presence at all IGANZ events both nationally and abroad
Paul West - Captain of New Zealand Long Blacks & Masters North Island Champion (2021 title)
Group shot - New Horizon XDL North Island Championship (2021 title)
The North Island Champions will now be flown to the South to compete and the North Champs will verse the South for the New Zealand Title. The 2022 XDL season begins in April with regional events already listed. With New Zealand Borders opening up IGANZ events will be opening up events to international competitors later in the year.
For more events and updates go to www.iganz.co.nz