Golf: Malaysia event survival of the fittest says coach

The New Zealand women's team feel as well prepared as any side for the oppressive heat which has already flattened some Espirito Santo hopefuls in Malaysia this week.

The seasoned line-up of Brenda Ormsby, Tina Howard and Wendy Hawkes tee off today in the 42-nation event looking for a big improvement on recent efforts.

They have targeted a top-12 finish, having finished 20th two years ago in Germany and 17th in Chile in 1998.

This time the team have made sure of a steady build-up, arriving in Kuala Lumpur last week to give themselves eight days to acclimatise.

Manager Geoff Smart said yesterday that the heat and humidity had forced teams off the course during practice rounds.

"Lots of teams aren't coping, they're pulling out after nine holes. There aren't any carts allowed and it's debilitating in those conditions," Smart said.

"It's survival of the fittest, but we're pretty well prepared and we've got no complaints so far."

Ormsby and Howard were part of the Queen Sirikit Cup team who finished fifth in Malaysia in April, and the three were all experienced in the conditions.

Smart said the draw would be crucial, and early morning tee-offs were a big preference.

"We don't want late starts - those little things make a huge difference."

Monday's practice round had taken 5 1/2 hours to complete, and Smart said he had consumed five litres of water just following the players.

The only hiccup had been the refusal of organisers to let teams use any facilities at the Saujana Golf and Country Club - including the driving range and putting greens - until last Friday.

They were then allowed four practice rounds before the four consecutive strokeplay rounds from today until Saturday.

"They know it will be a long week with eight rounds in eight days, but they're almost twiddling their thumbs now waiting to get started," Smart said.

He said the team were inspired by news of Phil Tataurangi's maiden win on the US PGA Tour on Monday, but were frustrated that no television coverage of the event was available at their hotel.

The players were given an easy day yesterday.

Smart said all three players had hit form at the right time in practice, but it was difficult to predict where they would finish.

"We've been looking at a top-12 finish, but it's so hard to know. We've got a solid team who can be right up there if they all fire at once."

Ormsby, 44, is entering her seventh world championships and was a member of the disappointing 1998 and 2000 teams after making her Espirito Santo debut in 1980.

Hawkes, 25, has been part of the national side since 1999, and Howard, 24, was the fifth-leading individual at the Queen Sirikit Cup tournament in April.

New Zealand's best effort in the tournament was second in 1990 in New Zealand by Lisa Aldridge, Jan Higgins and Annette Stott.

- NZPA