APAC Insider- Business Awards 2025 | 22 Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is at the cutting-edge of nourishing, and growing, the Sport of Long Drive while revolutionizing the way in which players compete. For almost a decade now, Founder Olna Ford has been at the very forefront of enhancing the Sport of Long Drive, with her pure mission to create a stage for all athletes involved in the esteemed sport. We heard more from Olna upon awarding her with another award from us at APAC Insider. Sports Innovator of the Year 2025: Olna Ford Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is a seasoned provider of invaluable long drive offerings for juniors up to seniors. These ever expanding services cover a wide range of activities and supportive opportunities for individuals, and teams, to up their long drive game. XDL’s mission is: “Do Good and We Grow”, and we believe this mission has continued to impact its many services across the sport. With four core pillars such as the On Green (Golf Club Events) and Off the Grid Events; On road and in school events (includes XDL Drive Trailers); Stadium events (XDL DRIVE Cages - NEW); and the XDL Franchise and Retail, XDL has achieved many great things to support its clients. “Our philosophy behind client service is built on the same principles that drive our champions to Gold which is to individualize the service to meet the needs of the client.” Of course, a company can only be as strong as its unwavering leaders as well as their chosen teams and curated services, and, speaking of strength, it’s a pleasure to introduce the mind behind XDL’s offerings: Olna Ford. Olna’s illustrious career began in 2016 when she vowed to bring her dedicated entrepreneurial spirit to the Sport of Long Drive. As CEO of the International Golf Associates New Zealand (IGANZ) and Founder and Owner of XDL, Olna has become the “Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive”. With her many years of experience, Olna has led IGANZ and XDL with skills that look effortless on her part. Always supporting the success of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and the XDL, Olna continues to elevate the Sport of Long Drive across the region, and influencing those beyond. Since her humble beginnings in the industry, Olna shared: “I have completed 41 events in 8 countries, paid out the largest purse in the sport (on a trailer event), officially listed the sport as high-performance sport independently from Golf, and have my own IP in the sport and teams. I have also crafted further innovation in the field of Long Drive, created products and services within the sport, landmarked the sport history for Long Drive, created jobs, entered into e-sports, and won many International Business Awards. With all that said, I feel we are just arriving. What sets XDL apart is we are a Legacy movement for the sport.” The future beckons, and Olna is always ready to take on the next challenge. She told us: “The FUTURE of the XDL Sports Empire has begun with major developments in the area of property. Furthermore, XDL product and services will grow with the 4 Pillars growth plan for New Zealand and Australia ready to be announced this December. “The 2026 season has many exciting plans one being a major celebrity collaboration which is very meaningful. Product developments and retail are at the core with Teams Merchandise already designed to celebrate the DECADE CELEBRATIONS. The 2026 season is being title our Official Arrival. XDL has an inhouse mentality that everything we see, and touch will eventually be of our own branding and design – our XDL Ecosystem.” The next decade of Olna’s career looks incredibly promising as she continues to add value to the sport, and we’re backing her success every step of the way. Contact Details Contact: Olna Ford Company: Xtreme Drivers League Web address: https://xdlworldwide.com/ The Queen of Long Drive Reigns Supreme
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