Golf: Charge of golf's young brigade

Twelve-year-old Enu Chung is the youngest of an array of youngsters in the interprovincial golf tournament.


Teenage golfing talent has a chance to stake claims for further honours at the Honda Cup women's golf interprovincials starting today in Dunedin.

One-third of the 70 players competing at the St Clair course are teenagers, including 12-year-old Aucklander Enu Chung, the youngest player since international Julia Kraschinski made her Honda Cup debut at the same age.

"We are thrilled to see so many young players coming through our regional coaching systems to the Honda Cup stage," said convener of selectors Anna Brabyn. "The Honda Cup gives them a chance to play at the highest level and to learn from the more experienced players around them.

"There is a big international programme next year and every opportunity for some of these young players to push themselves in front of the selectors by strong and consistent performances."

Other young players include Erica Quinton (Hawkes Bay-Poverty Bay) who has recently turned 13, Teiria Te Riini (Bay of Plenty-Thames Valley) 14, Sarah Nicholson (Wellington) 15, and a group of 16-year-olds, including Jasmine Smith (HBPB), Kyla Welsh (South Canterbury), Natalie Storck, Annie Wairepo and Chanelle Baird (all North Harbour).

Hosts Otago are looking for their first cup victory with an side unchanged from last year's combination who lost in the semifinals to Auckland.

They are led by the Arrowtown-based trio of New Zealand amateur champion Wendy Hawkes and twin sisters Angela and Liz Aitken.

Auckland defend their title without Jo Croskery and Kelly Pickett, and are led by the experienced Cheryl Nahi.

Beaten finalists Manawatu-Wanganui are led by 19-year-old international Claire Dury.

The semifinals and final are on Saturday.

- NZPA