Andrew Hobbs has thrived on the matchplay trial format, winning all four matches including wins over last year's leading pair at Chisholm Park at the weekend.
The St Clair greenkeeper beat Sean Roach (Arrowtown) and Cameron Beel (Otago) in close tussles on the final green on Saturday and accounted for Michael Minty (North Otago) and Hamish Ireland (Otago) yesterday.
Hobbs has played for Canterbury and Otago but has been on the sideline in recent years trying to balance his work, a young family and strokeplay golf.
He is an uncompromising competitor with an enviable matchplay record in pennants and interprovincial golf.
Otago selection convener Murray Rose has already recognised his worth, making him captain of the ten-man team which won the triangular at Alexandra two weeks ago.
Otago has underperformed in the national event in recent years.
The change to matchplay trials has suited Hobbs who, should he make the final team, will ensure Otago performs well.
Roach won his other three matches while Mitch Bosley (Wanaka) also put his hand up with three wins.
Beel, Mark Brooks (Queenstown), Philip Bungard (Chisholm Park), Brent McEwan (St Clair) and Minty are all in the mix to make the final five with two wins each.
The next trial will be the Otago matchplay championships at Balmacewen during Labour Weekend, after which Rose will announce the eight players to compete in the South Island teams' event in Nelson in November.
