Ryan Cockburn has been selected in the Aorangi Golf Men’s side for the upcoming Men’s South Island Interprovincial. Photo supplied.Four Mid Canterbury names feature in the recently selected Aorangi Golf men’s side who will shoot for mainland glory later this month and a chance to earn the right to compete for national success too.

Aorangi Golf announced an eight-strong team of players from across Mid and South Canterbury earlier this week, and local players featured strongly in the team to tackle the Men’s South Island Interprovincial tournament on October 17 and October 18 at St Clair Golf Course in Dunedin.

Aorangi finished third in the tournament last year and earned a place in the National Interprovincial tournament off the back of that.

No playing order has been determined for the side yet, but two local players who returned to the side last year after absences will be expected to feature highly.

Cameron Grant and Jeff Hewitt were both in the mix last year and performed with distinction across both tournaments, and their experience will be relied on when it comes to travelling to Dunedin in a fortnight.

Grant’s ability to play in any playing position is a big asset, while Hewitt has proven his worth on countless occasions at the higher levels.

The duo are joined by fellow locals Ryan Cockburn and also newcomer David Morrison, who has earned selection in the squad.

The side again features Timaru’s Daniel Perham, who last year notched up his 100th appearance for Aorangi.

The tournament is played in a matchplay format, and Aorangi will take on teams from Tasman, Southland, Otago and Canterbury over the course of the two days’ play.

Team:

Alex Kelliher (Pleasant Point)
Cameron Grant (Rakaia)
Daniel Perham (Timaru)
David Morrison (Ashburton)
Jeff Hewitt (Ashburton)
Marcus Tessier (Timaru)
Ryan Cockburn (Rakaia)
Tim Leonard (Timaru)

Unavailable:
Josh Smith (Ashburton)
Damian Rodgers (Timaru)

By Matt Markham © The Ashburton Guardian - 3 October 2020