Golf: Danny Lee Open this weekend in Rotorua

USA-based Danny Lee continues to support Bay of Plenty golf through his tournament to be played this weekend. PHOTO/PHOTOSPORT

This weekend's 54-hole Danny Lee Springfield Golf Tournament in Rotorua is arguably the strongest assembled with some of the country's top amateur golfers taking the opportunity to play where New Zealand's top ranked professional Danny Lee shaped his game.

The handicap cut-off for the 96-strong field has fallen at 6 and remarkably there are 32 females in the field — a number never approached previously in this event.

"When this tournament was created and Danny added his support, the idea was to give tournament play to the country's rising talent to replace the now defunct New Zealand under-23 events," said tournament director Craig Tiriana.

"With Lydia Ko and Danny flying the flag for New Zealand golfers on the world stage it appears that the youngsters are taking up the golfing challenge back here and Danny would and should be very proud of that.

"Springfield Golf Club is very proud it can help Danny by putting on an event in his name and continuing his great legacy and connection to New Zealand, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua golf."

Lee, a regular of the US PGA Tour, won the Springfield event twice before turning professional in 2009 and has financially supported the event since.

Both of last year's successful champions, Charlie Smail (+1.4) and Carmen Lim (+.5), are entered to take on the 2018 running which may provide a different challenge than traditionally seen due to the recent and expected wet weather.

Most of the tournament's 12 years have seen a baked and bouncy par 70 layout at Springfield but the recent wet weather has the course lush and playing all of its length.

There are 39 golfers with handicaps of scratch or better in the draw, including New Zealand's top ranked female amateur Ayean Cho of Sherwood Park on a stunning +6.5 handicap. Others to watch in the women's field include two-time past winner Brittany Dryland (+2.1) and Ina Yoon (+4.2).

Te Puke's Harry Hillier is the lowest men's marker on +3.4, heading a four-pronged title attack from the University of Kansas where he is based with his brother Charlie (+1.5) and fellow Jayhawks Dan Hudson (+2) and Andy Spencer (+2).

Play gets under way at Springfield Golf Club on Devon St, Rotorua, on Saturday from 7.30am. There will be 36 holes on Saturday with the final 18 scheduled for Sunday from 8am. Spectators are welcome.