KEY POINTS:
Despite fielding a team with an average age about 15, North Harbour captain Pam Sowden is confident her players will meet the challenge at the national women's interprovincial teams golf championship starting in Nelson today.
The youngest member of the team is 11-year-old Lydia Ko, a newcomer in the team of five with new No 1 Rica Tse and No 4 Faye Amy Nickson, who was reserve last year.
Veterans after making their debuts last year are 12-year-old Hanee Song, at No 2 and Jenna Hunter, at No 4.
North Harbour were the national champions in 2002, 2003 and 2005, but the departure of several leading Korean-born New Zealand internationals resulted in the team dropping to ninth in 2007 as they rebuilt.
Former international Sowden said although young, the North Harbour players were experienced in tournament play, albeit mainly in strokeplay.
"These girls are a little bit carefree at this stage and don't necessarily know what they are in for, but that could be a good thing when I think back when I was playing," she said.
"Sometimes the less you know the better when you're out there enjoying yourself and playing your own game."
The top two sides from each division qualify for the semifinals on Saturday morning.
- NZPA