Golf: Top line up for Waikato Masters

Waikato golfers are preparing for a master class at Waikare Golf Club on August 18.

The annual SkyCity Waikato Masters Championships, for golfers aged 40 and over, always brings out the most competitive side in the best provincial players from Auckland and the central North Island.

Ngaruawahia's Phil Hunter will defend the title he won last year.

He will be up against some of the top masters golfers in the Waikato - plus a regular contingent of class Aucklanders who always stake a claim on the Waikato title.

Despite recent heavy rain Waikare Golf Club's course, at Te Kauwhata, is in great shape for the 20th anniversary of the 36-hole, one day event.

Hunter says he has not been playing a lot of tournament golf lately and his form is only lukewarm.

He played championship pennants for Ngaruawahia this season - going down in the final to Hamilton. Earlier this year he took out his club's senior strokeplay championship.

Playing off a two handicap, Hunter says the tight, par 70 Waikare layout will reward those players who give up length to place their ball in the right positions to attack the small, tricky greens.

Hamilton club player Andrew McKechnie will be one to watch, having won the Cambridge Masters a week or two ago.

McKechnie's clubmate, Wybo Veldman, always gives himself a chance in the best company.

Seventy-something, Titirangi life member Ken Hankin, playing off a one handicap, will be a threat. Hankin is always tidy around the tight Waikare track.

He won the title in 1995 and has been close a couple of times since.

He will be leading a strong Auckland contingent which will include New Zealand and Eisenhower player Michael Barltrop, from Remuera.

To enter the SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Men's Masters Championship phone Megan at Waikato Golf on 849 1328.