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Warkworth Golf Club is set to host some of the country’s longest drivers when the Auckland XDL (Xtreme Drivers League) Regional Championship 2025 tees off on the club’s 11th fairway on Sunday, October 5, from 9am.
The event will see both men and women big hitters battle it out to qualify for a spot at the New Zealand Championship on November 23.
There are three divisions: open, masters (over 40) and senior (over 60).
The biggest hitters of the open division will also earn the chance to represent their country as members of the NZ Long Blacks and compete internationally at one of three major international XDL events.
Among those stepping up to the tee are well-known local players Anthony Koers, Andy Manning and Zac Wyatt, as well as Wellsford’s Hannah Jamieson – the daughter of Warkworth Golf Club’s sponsorship coordinator Paul Jamieson.
Longtime Warkworth member Sir Ron Young will also be stepping up to the tee in the senior division.
Local sponsor The Bridgehouse has put forward a $1000 prize pool for the Make the Lake challenge – competitors who can drive the ball far enough to land it in the lake at the end of the fairway will share in the cash prize.
“It’s quite some distance, but I’m sure somebody will hit it. It’s just a bonus on top of the main competition and adds to the thrill,” Jamieson says.
He says the event follows the same format used in long-drive competitions worldwide, with each competitor getting six balls and two-and-a-half minutes to smash their best drives – only shots that land on the fairway count.
Spectators will be able to line the fairway and watch as the competitors unleash their power hitting.
“It’s free for the public and we welcome all visitors. So come and watch, enjoy the atmosphere and then join us afterwards at the function. It’s open for everyone to enjoy,” he says.
