A storm washed away a promising foundation for the New Zealand women's side in the opening round of the world teams championship in Puerto Rico yesterday.
The young team were at a competitive three-over and inside the top 15 when the storm forced a rain delay at the Rio Mar Country Club.
New Zealand then dropped five shots in the final few holes in the heavy conditions to fall to a share of 22nd place on eight-over 152.
They were 15 shots behind surprise leaders Canada.
The best of the New Zealanders was Wellington teenager Sarah Nicholson, who fired a three-over 75, dropping two shots in the final three holes.
Manawatu's US-based player Claire Dury, a late inclusion in the side, shot a 77, dropping four shots in the final five holes, mostly after the storm, and Rotorua's Penny Newbrook fired a non-counting 78.
The two best scores count in each of the four rounds at the championship.
Canada had a two-shot advantage over favourites United States, with a further three shots back to Korea.
New Zealand shared 22nd place with Australia and Chile.
"It was a disappointing finish. The girls are really gutted because they felt they had played well," national coach Geoff Smart said.
"They had worked themselves into a useful start late into the round. We were the last group on the course so we had the worst of the conditions, and the girls lost their momentum."
- NZPA
Golf: Kiwis caught up in storm
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