Top squad named for Auckland match

Wellington Golf has announced its strongest possible team to take on Auckland in Taupo this weekend, as the 2015 representative season begins in earnest.

The 18 member side, comprising eight men, four women and six juniors, will play three match play rounds on the Centennial Course at the Taupo Golf Club. The team plays foursomes on Saturday morning, reverse singles in the afternoon and singles on Sunday morning.

Convenor of selectors, John Spraggs said the depth of players vying for selection means there is a lot of competition for places, as they look toward the inter provincials later this year.

“I’m really pleased with the calibre of talent we have had available. It has made our job as selectors difficult. There are a number of players that could have easily been selected. There’s plenty to play for.”

Miramar’s Peter Spearman-Burn will captain the side, and play with Manor Park’s Jono Cane at the top of the order in the men’s team.

National Women’s Amateur champion, Manor Park’s Julianne Alvarez will lead the women’s team before heading to the prestigious University of Washington, in Seattle to begin her four-year golf scholarship. Senior player, Titahi Bay’s Te Rongopai Clay, will miss the event due to academic commitments.

Also unavailable for selection is National Men’s Amateur champion Daniel Hillier. Hillier is representing New Zealand at the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation’s inaugural Mitsubishi Corporation Cup Junior Championship, at the Sunrise Golf and Country Club in Taiwan next week.

Following comprehensive wins over Marlborough and Manawatu-Wanganui, the stakes go up as selectors begin deciding the five players that will represent Wellington in the men’s and women’s inter-provincial championships later in the year.

“This format is a great test of golf. Each win is a point and all points are equal so every player has the same opportunity to contribute. We are keen to see how they perform.” said Spraggs

Full team details and the draw are available at http://wgi.co.nz/event/3137, and there is a good article on Stuff at http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/71281168/Julianne-Alvarez-to-...