Scouted for the New Zealand Long Blacks

Spotlight on Dylan Pettersson

Xtreme Drivers League (XDL): A Bold New Chapter in 2025

The Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is redefining the game in 2025 with a dynamic strategy aimed at expanding sports participation and business opportunities. This vision focuses on creating pathways for players to advance while generating jobs within the sport. The 2024 Drivepods New Zealand National Champs set the tone, unveiling the first scouted pathway, with one standout player capturing the spotlight: young Dylan Pettersson.

Dylan’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From the moment he arrived, XDL founder Olna Ford was captivated. “Dylan has a confidence and charm that you remember, and that’s one of the key aspects in representing our nation,” says Ford. But Dylan’s appeal isn’t just in his demeanor—his skills on the tee speak volumes.

At the North Island Champs 2024, Dylan claimed second place, showcasing his potential in a high-pressure setting. His performance earned him a ticket to the South Island Champs 2024 in Nelson, where his journey reached a life-changing milestone. During the competition, Dylan and his mother received the thrilling news: he had been officially scouted to join the New Zealand Long Blacks, the pinnacle of XDL’s player pathway program.

Now set to compete and be promoted at the highly anticipated 3-day TTC 2025 event in Auckland, Dylan embodies both the present and future of XDL Sport. His story is a testament to the league’s commitment to nurturing talent and building a sustainable ecosystem for the sport.

With the 2025 season kicking off in February, we caught up with Dylan to hear his thoughts, gain insights into his training, and inspire others to join the movement. Stay tuned for his journey as XDL sets the stage for a groundbreaking year in the world of long drive!

1) Dylan how long have you been golfing?

A) I’ve been golfing since I was 9 years old, so playing for 11 years. Grew up playing with my dad who was a huge inspiration for me getting into golf and have him to thank for where I’m at now

2) What got you keen on Long Drive?

A) Loved challenging my mates at the driving range in little competitions, awesome community to be apart of, such nice people who do it so that enticed me to become apart of the sport

3) What’s your biggest Drive?

A) 374m

4) How’s it feel to be named as a scouted New Zealand Long Black?

A) Feels amazing to be apart of a team representing NZ, and to be apart of something much bigger than myself. So excited to learn off the others in the team and to experience comps outside of NZ with them

5) What’s going to be your Introduction sound track?

A) Has to be Money For Nothing (Dire Straits)

6) What do you do to relax?

A) Nice chill evening rounds of golf with mates has to up there, alongside having a nice beach day with a bbq to end the day!

Thanking Dylan for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on making the New Zealand Long Blacks! Below is a photo proving it’s not a good idea to listen to your mate/clubfitter who wishes to test out a new concept on your tools/drivers before competition.