Golf: NZ team calls on Smith after 13 years

Debbie Smith is returning to international golf after a 13-year break, both surprised and delighted by her selection for the New Zealand women's team to contest next month's Espirito Santo world teams event in Germany.

Smith, aged 37, of Motueka, will join experienced internationals Brenda Ormsby and Tina Howard at the Sporting Club of Berlin from August 23 to 26 after last representing New Zealand at the Queen Sirikit, Tasman Cup and Commonwealth tournaments in 1987.

Smith has been back in the frame for the past two years. But despite finishing second at the recent New Zealand trials at Paraparaumu, she did not give herself any chance of an international recall.

"No, not at all, it was just a real bonus. It's probably been more exciting for me today than ever before," Smith said.

"I mean there's just so many other things in my life ... and I haven't been in contention for so many years. I'm just rapt."

Smith left the international scene 13 years ago because of what she considered to be the "unrealistic" expectations imposed by the national selectors and because she wanted to further develop her Motueka drycleaning business.

But after some encouraging form over the past two seasons and some meaningful discussions with the selectors earlier this year, Smith finally decided she should herself available.

"To be honest, I've actually played really well but my short game's been diabolical.

"That's probably due to the fact that I just haven't played in enough events, I'm just not sharp enough. So yeah, I am working in that direction for sure."

Smith will have a chance to sharpen her skills when the team meet at Paraparaumu on Monday before playing in the Bay of Plenty Open on August 5 and 6.

They will complete their preparation at the Wairakei course, near Taupo, the following week.

Ormsby won her sixth New Zealand strokeplay title in March, while Howard is back from the United States after finishing 22nd on the American college ranking list this year.

Howard, aged 22, of Taupo, was part of the winning Queen Sirikit team last year and will return to Louisiana State University after Berlin. Ormsby will be playing at her sixth Espirito Santo event and Smith her second after helping New Zealand to eighth equal place at Hong Kong in 1984.

Wellington youngster Hee Jeong Chun is the non-travelling reserve.

United States-based Julia Kraschinski was unavailable after her recent second placing in the NCAA championships with her University of Arizona team.

- NZPA