There were no surprises when New Zealand Golf (NZG) unveiled its teams today for the world amateur championships in South Africa in October.
The team for the women's Espirito Santo event contain Wellington's Sarah Nicholson, 21, and Aucklanders Sharon Ahn, 15, and Natasha Krishna, 17.
The men's challenge for the
Eisenhower Trophy will be issued by Josh Geary, 21, of Tauranga, and Hamilton duo Mark Purser, 22, and James Gill, 21.
Former touring professional Shelley Duncan was confirmed as coach of the women's team, with James Kupa taking charge of the men's side for the championships near Cape Town.
Nicholson played in the last Espirito Santo event in 2004 when New Zealand finished ninth in Puerto Rico.
Her combination with Ahn and Krishna was proven this year when they tied for first before losing a playoff at the Asia-Pacific Queen Sirikit Cup.
Geary is the sole survivor from the men's team of 2004 who finished 21st at the Eisenhower Trophy.
NZG convener of men's selectors John Marsden said Geary, Purser and Gill had been the standouts throughout the season and represented one of the strongest teams New Zealand had had for years.
Convener of the women's selection panel, Cherry Kingham, said the women's team were the strongest available and the players had some stunning performances over recent months.
The Espirito Santo tournament will be held on October 18-21 ahead of the men's event on October 26-29.
- NZPA
