Otago's schoolgirl golfers will hold the key to an improved performance in the national women's interprovincial tournament which begins on the Nelson Golf Course this morning.
Monica Tulisi withdrew from her semifinal match in the recent Otago championship with a shoulder injury but has recovered sufficiently to lead the Otago team at No 1.
Wakatipu High School pupil Shani Arona will make her debut at No 5 in one of the youngest Otago teams for many years.
Otago has been languishing at the bottom of this event for four years, last year halving with South Canterbury in the final round but still finishing 14th.
Tulisi (17) had a very good tournament last year, with four wins and one half at No 2.
This year, Tulisi will find the going tough, as she will meet the best amateur golfers in New Zealand.
Otago meets its old rival Southland this morning, with Robyn Pullar and Robyn Boniface heading the latter's challenge.
This afternoon, Otago plays Hawkes Bay-Poverty Bay, while Manawatu-Wanganui and Waikato are tomorrow's opponents.
Otago's final chance to improve will be on Thursday, as the team has a bye in the seventh and final round on Friday.
The final section matches will be against Taranaki and Tasman, while Otago will want to be off the bottom rung before Saturday's play-offs.
