Golf: Rep golf makes welcome return to region

Northland Golf Club's Julian Fowler will captain the juniors' Northland Ralph Cup team in a quadrangular event in the Bay of Islands this weekend. It will be the first time in four years representative golf has been in the Far North. Photo / File

Representative golf returns to the Far North for the first time in four years in the form of the Garrard Shield and Ralph Cup at the Bay of Islands Kerikeri Golf Club this weekend.

The quadrangular event pits Northland up against three of New Zealand's major provincial associations in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

While the challenge is a big one, Northland Golf development manager Michael Macdonald is optimistic when it comes to the home side's chances.

"We have a tight-knit group of young players in both the junior and senior sides that have been together for a while now.

"They have all had their fair share of experience and success on the national stage in recent times," he said.

One regular who will be missing is long-serving captain Brad Bonnington, who has stepped down. His experience has not been totally lost though, as he instead joins the team in a management role.

Northland Golf Club's Lee Neumann is his replacement. The 22-year-old is looking forward to leading the team.

"I'm really excited and feel extremely privileged to lead such a talented group," Neumann said.

"Hopefully if we all perform to the level we know we are capable of, we can create some history and win this event for the first time."

Neumann will have considerable experience to call on in his quest for success with the Northland masters No1 Saali Herewini making his first appearance for the senior team since returning from the professional ranks.

Practice rounds take place today with round one and two tomorrow, followed by the final round on Sunday morning.

Northland Garrard Shield team (seniors): Kadin Neho (Whangarei), Alex Neely (Bay of Islands Kerikeri), Chase McKeown (Waipu), Sheldon Kearns (Waipu), Lee Neumann (Northland - captain), Luke Brown (The Pines), Braden Keown (Waipu), Saali Herewini (Whangarei).

Northland Ralph Cup team (juniors): Taylor Gill (Bay of Islands Kerikeri), Christian Nitsche (Whangarei), Julian Fowler (Northland - captain), Ben Bowmar (Whangarei).