Golf: Return of Bay pair threatens to cause upset

By BOB PEARCE

Bay of Plenty, who languished in seventh place last year, could cause a few upsets when the women's interprovincial golf tournament begins at North Shore today.

Back at the top of the Bay order are national representatives Tina Howard and Brenda Ormsby after both were missing last time.

At No 3 will be the well-performed Rotorua junior Penny Newbrook, followed by Teiria Te Riini and Heather Lavery.

Bay of Plenty have won the event 14 times since 1949, the last in 1997 at Methven, when play was suspended at one point because of snow.

They begin their campaign this morning against Northland and then face Auckland in the afternoon.

Defending champions Waikato-King Country have made only one change from last year, with Debbie Wells replacing Shannon Pawhau at No 5.

After byes this morning, Waikato and North Harbour, beaten finalists last year, play South Canterbury and Northland respectively this afternoon.

Section play continues until Friday and the semifinals and final will be on Saturday.