Golf: Home a plus for in-form foursome

New Zealand's rising golf star Sam Hunt believes home crowd support will be a big factor in the Southern Cross international teams tournament at Wairakei.

Hunt lines up alongside fellow schoolboy Eddie Lee, of Christchurch, and other top New Zealand amateurs Gareth Paddison, of Wellington, and Tim Wilkinson, of Palmerston North.

The three-day tournament, which starts today, also includes Australia, South Africa and Argentina.

"It's going to be great - hopefully we will get a few people out watching. Wairakei's not too far from Rotorua so hopefully we'll get plenty of support," said Hunt, a 17-year-old Rotorua Boys' High School student.

Hunt made his senior international debut last month in Canada and is more than happy to be taking on some of the best amateurs in his home province.

He was a member of the New Zealand junior side who beat Australia in the Claire Higson under-18 tournament two years ago. As the only surviving member of the New Zealand Eisenhower team last year and ranked the No 6 amateur in the world, Paddison will lead the Kiwis.

Lee dazzled the field at the Shirley Open in Christchurch at the weekend when he shot a 10-under total on the final day to win. Paddison was third, Wilkinson fourth and Hunt sixth, all finishing under par.

Play begins this morning with matchplay foursomes, involving alternate shots.

New Zealand: Sam Hunt, Eddie Lee, Tim Wilkinson, Gareth Paddison.

Australia: Steven Bowditch, Marcus Fraser, Adam Groom, Luke Hickmont.

Argentina: Carranzo Clodomiro, Pablo Delgrosso, Patricio Lopez, Jaimes Nougues.

South Africa: Thomas Aiken, Nico Le Grange, Louis Oosthuizen, Jaco van der Merwe.

- NZPA