Player Spotlight - Devlyn Birchall

Devlyn in full swing at XDL North Island Champs 2023

Q) Devlyn, what got you keen on Long Drive?

I have been a keen golfer since I was a kid and I knew from quite young that I was able to drive the ball a fair distance but it wasn't until one of my mates mentioned to me at the start of 2023 that I should give a long drive a try. I started watching and researching a bit and realized that I could definitely be interested in giving a long drive a go. He also offered to help me with travel and he paid for my entry into the North Island Champs in November.

**Devlyn in full swing at XDL North Island Champs 2023**

(Q) Are you a golfer as well?

Yes I am a golfer. I try to play at least once a week. I am a member of Northland Golf Club and play off an 8 handicap.

(Q) What are your obstacles with the sport of Long Drive?

At the moment my biggest obstacle would have to be affordability as I am a full time student sitting my degree in Sport and Recreation. And am also the father of 3 boys, 2 of whom I have on a week on week off basis and also a baby of 10 months so that and being able to afford the equipment that I would need, The cost of using the facilities I would need to train for competition and also travel and entry fees into competitions is a massive obstacle for me.

(Q) How often do you train?

At the moment I am working on my body and healing a couple of small injuries I have as well as losing a bit of weight. But I would be doing swing work 2 times a week at home and also using the simulator at The Golf Shop whenever I can afford to.

(Q) What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I have a decent swing and can swing a golf club rather quickly. I can also hit a ball quite far.

I am very determined to achieve the goals I set myself.

I am willing to go the extra mile and put in the hard yards.

I do suffer from a few injuries that I am getting sorted and am healing at the moment.

I find it a bit difficult sometimes to make time for myself and my training especially with studying and having my kids.

(Q) If you had a facility nearby would you train frequently to compete?

There are some facilities in Whangarei at The Golf Shop and I also go to the gym. For me it's more a matter of affordability to be able to use the facilities. As I am a student and have 3 sons it can be a bit difficult to pay that extra and make that extra time for myself to train