Golf: Northland struggle at Toro Interprovincial event

The Northland side who finished 13th at the Toro Interprovincial tournament at the New Plymouth Golf Club.

Ngamotu Golf Course in Taranaki played host to all 15 district associations from around New Zealand this week to find the best golf team for 2016, but unfortunately it wasn't Northland.

The Toro Interprovincial is a matchplay event with teams made up of five players.

Northland sent away a strong side with a good balance of youth and experience. The team, led by New Zealand Representative Luke Brown, was Taylor Gill, Christian Nitsche, Alex Neely and Sheldon Kearns.

Brad Bonnington was the reserve and Scott Wightman travelled as manager.

Northland's week began slowly with a 3.5 to 1.5 loss to Wellington. Rookie Nitsche, recording his first scalp, while Kearns fought hard for a halved match.

Taranaki then toppled Northland 3-2 with Luke Brown picking up a win and Kearns and Gill getting halves.

Tasman were next up and the Northland team couldn't catch a break, once again going down 3-2 with wins to Gill and Neely.

It was then a battle between the far north and the far south as the team took on Southland and finally got off the dreaded doughnut with a halved match, Neely and Kearns both had solid wins while Luke Brown battled away for a half.

Pride was on the line on the final day and the boys in blue took on Canterbury.

Northland flipped the script to register a dominant 4-1 win over the Cantabs with Brown, Nitsche, Neely and Kearns contributing wins.

Of note was an impressive finish for Nitsche who came home with a wet sail as he went seven under in the final eight holes to leave his opponent in his dust.

Otago were the final opposition and Northland's woes continue with another agonising 3-2 loss, with wins recorded by Nitsche and Neely.

A disappointing week from a team that promised so much left Northland in 13th position, and looking towards next year when the tournament will be being played in Taniwha Country at Mangawhai Golf Club.