Masters team hoping for good showing

GOLF Otago masters

THE Otago masters are seeking to make an impact at the national tournament in Hamilton next week, and have called in some Australian talent.

The men’s team had a mixed tournament in Timaru last year, starting many games well but failing to see out the entire 18 holes, and ended up near the back of the field.

The side has experience in the form of John McIntee and Steve Horn, both of Otago while Mike Wray, of Island Park, has also been in the team before.

Travis Cook, who plays out of the Otematata club, will be at No 1 for the Otago side.

A former Australian, he lives in Ashburton, but has a holiday home at Otematata and plays golf there.

He is a former professional and is a solid No 1 for Otago.

At No 2 for Otago is Rodney Krahenbring, who has showed some tidy form.

Krahenbring was on holiday in New Zealand a few years ago and liked it so much he left his Brisbane home and moved to Wanaka.

He is an apprentice builder, who has just passed the masters qualifying age of 40.

Otago has managed to avoid Auckland and Canterbury in the draw but will have to take on Wellington, which is one of

Travis Cook (Otematata), Rodney Krahenbring (Wanaka), John McIntee (Otago), Steve Horn (Otago), Mike Wray (Island Park). Reserve: Paul Hubbard (Otago)

the sides to watch.

Otago beat Southland in a provincial match last month then finished third in a very tight race in the South Island provincial championships earlier this month in Oamaru.

It was just one game behind the winning Tasman team.

The tournament starts on Monday at Hamilton Golf Club with the St Andrews course expected to be tough and greens likely to be fast.

Rain was forecast for much of next week.

Two rounds will be played on each of the tournament’s opening two days, followed by one on Wednesday.

There will be a round on Thursday and Otago has the bye on Friday morning before its final round on Friday afternoon.

No final is played as the winner is the team with most points in the table.

Not all teams play each other.

Bay of Plenty, which also won in 2015, is the defending champion.