Duncan Croudis (Otago) is hoping his knowledge of the hilly Balmacewen course will help him in his defence of the New Zealand under-19 men's title he won at North Shore last year.
This year's event starts on the Otago Golf Club's course this morning and will continue, with one round each day, until Friday.
Croudis is adopting a mature approach to the event and is not looking at it as a title defence.
"I want to think of this as just another tournament which I want to win and I am also shutting out the idea that I have an advantage playing at home."
If Croudis wins, he will be the first golfer to win the Cobham Cup twice since its inception in 1962.
Winning will not be easy for the 18-year-old, who will be up against some of the best golfers in New Zealand.
Simon Brownlie (North Harbour) took individual honours in the Southland Invitational tournament in March, and finished second in the Cambridge Classic two weeks ago.
Brad Kendall (Mt Maunganui), the son of New Zealand professional Owen Kendall, made his mark in April, winning the New Zealand strokeplay title.
He followed this with a win in the Waikato Winter strokeplay two weeks ago.
Tyler Hodge (Manawatu) was also well placed in the New Zealand strokeplay and represented New Zealand in the Junior British amateur championship this year.
Two players who featured last year will also be in with a chance.
Luke Toomey (Waikato) won the under-17 title, while Ryan Chisnall (15), from Nelson, won the under-15 title, both with three-round totals of 217.
Keelan Kilpatrick (Russley) is a national under-19 representative and, although he did not show his best form in the intercollegiate on Monday, should know how to play Balmacewen.
Tim Leonard (Timaru) won the South Island under-19 in a playoff in April and has played the Balmacewen course on many occasions.
Meanwhile, the girls under-19 event has attracted 43 entries and will be played at Chisholm Park over the next few days.
The favourite must be New Zealand's top-ranked player, Cecilia Cho (15), who plays off a handicap of +4.3.
The best Otago hopes may be Shani Arona and 14-year-old Laura Hoskin (both Arrowtown).
