Golf: Aldridge NZ golf spearhead

Palmerston North's Lisa Aldridge is on top of the women's amateur golfing world.

Now the world left-handed champion has an essential part to play in New Zealand's bid to wrest the Tasman Cup from Australia's grip in the biennial contest at Russley in Christchurch at the weekend.

Aldridge's return to international golf after a five-year absence has been timely for New Zealand who has been hard-hit in the past year by leading players turning professional or accepting scholarships in the United States.

"Lisa is one of our key players and having her at the helm is going to be to our advantage," New Zealand coach Kevin Smith said.

"But [the Tasman Cup] is a team event and it doesn't revolve around just one player. It is a very strong Australian team but all our girls are very capable.

"The unavailability of players has allowed some other very good golfers the opportunity to represent New Zealand and I believe we will be better off in the long term because of it."

The New Zealand team arrived in Christchurch yesterday and spent the afternoon walking the course and taking measurements.

The Canterbury pair in the squad of seven, Catherine Knight and Robyn Cruse, are familiar with Russley. Knight won a 54-hole invitation tournament there this year.

The two-day cup contest features foursomes and reverse singles on Saturday and four-ball and singles on Sunday.

New Zealand: Lisa Aldridge, Claire Dury (Palmerston North), Anita Boon (North Harbour), Hee-Jeong Chun (Wellington), Robyn Cruse, Catherine Knight (Canterbury), Wendy Hawkes (Arrowtown).

Australia: Helen Beatty (Western Australia), Cherie Byrnes, Nadina Taylor (New South Wales), Tamara Johns, Michelle Lawrence-Bristow, Rebecca Stevenson (Queensland), Lindsey Wright (Victoria).

- NZPA