Witnessing a drive by Te Rongopai Clay that oozes satisfaction is no surprise after the youngster took out her first match by 10 holes. Clay says it’s a good start and has “set me up good for the week and now I’ve got confidence for my other games”.
Although she's just 17-years-old Clay has a established herself well in this tournament after taking out the Open Womens in 2010 as a 15 year old and she’s on the right track now, but admits however that adjustments to her game are needed. Her focus primarily being her chipping at this stage. These particular skills will need to be sharpened by the week’s end as she leaves for Sydney on Monday to represent New Zealand at the Youth Olympics, which brings with it both excitement and nerves.
A timely plan, knowing she had next to no knowledge of the other nine countries taking part, but her strategy is very simple to focus on playing golf and playing it well.
New Zealand will have five golf representatives at the game, four of whom grew up playing in the Māori Golf Tournament.
Reporter: Kereama Wright.