Chisholm Links
Squad: Mike Weastell, Jason Pegler, Kairangi Koni, Blair Liffiton, Kyle Geary, Mike Bowman, John McIntee, Matt Heaton, Matt Robinson, Mackenzie Gibson
The boys from the beach will be buoyed by their 2022 finish where they were right in the hunt for finals in the last round.
They welcome John McIntee to the club from the Bombers — there is something about a Scotsman and links golf that just seems on point. Dunedin Futures youngster Kairangi Koni has bided his time in senior B. He finally he gets his chance to impress at senior A level after making the Chisholm Links senior final.
What to expect: There’s no doubting the two additions should help strengthen the links side and they should be more than competitive at home — an upset or two against the higher-rated sides would not be a surprise. However success will be determined by their away record and squad depth. Possibly fighting for the last semifinal spot.
Island Park
Squad: Brent Butler, Michael Minty, Jarden Hammond, Joseph Hancock, Mike Wray, Monty Wong, Kelly Adam, Macaulay Howell, Josh Kalweit, Richard Olsen.
The nine-hole club returns to A grade after missing season 2022 due to low numbers but boasts a mix of fresh faces and names synonymous with the club.
Waikouaiti local Joseph Hancock returns from a brief stint in the United States — he brings clubmate and former New Zealand speed golf champion Richard Olsen. Former Southland rep Josh Kalweit and Twelve Oaks club captain Macaulay Howell also join the squad.
What to expect: Being absent for a year and the loss of a few guns will not help their chances. However this side faces less pressure than the one that was defending champion in 2021. It should be competitive at home with its best six on the park but will need to win a couple of games away be in the hunt for the semis.
Otago Bombers
Squad: Benjamin Patston, Callum Judkins, Hayden Coutts, Luke Murdoch, Willis McNaughton, Josh Tasman-Jones, Murray Edgar, Ricky Stewart, Baxter Meder, Brandon Hodgson, Duncan Croudis.
Just when we thought the Bombers’ golden era was coming to an end in 2022 the perennial champions found form at the right time to clinch last year’s series over a young Saints side.
New additions to the side this year include Baxter Meder whose mother, uncle and grandparents have all played representative golf for Otago. Former Otago Volts squad member Josh Tasman-Jones swaps bat for club and has a few Order of Merit events under his belt.
What to expect: Another bold top-two showing is expected. However this side no longer holds that air of invincibility compared with past squads. If it plays Hodgson, Murdoch, Croudis, Judkins and Patston most weeks then it will be hard to crack but it is a long season so their availability will play a key role.
Otago B52s
Squad: Will McLachlan, Sebastian Kyle, George Prendergast, Andrew Hobbs, Matt Weir, Lewis Harper, Paul Hubbard, Howard Maxwell, Isaac Hobbs, Tom Gillan, Harrison Maaka.
This side sports a fresh look for 2023 after several key omissions have created an opportunity for some youth to step up and cement a playing spot.
John McIntee, Steve Horn, and Tom Lee are gone, as is Chris Snow on the team list — although it is understood he may still feature.
What to expect: You would almost say similar to Island Park’s prospects — with some new personnel, this side is a bit of an unknown.
It will be strong at home and more than competitive away with its best six. Last year’s New Zealand amateur strokeplay champion Will McLachlan and Otago selector Andrew Hobbs will be the glue. Looking like another side battling for a lower semi-finals position.
St Clair Devils
Squad: Phil Bungard, Luke Worthington, Callum White, Jake Bleach, Kade Haley-Broderick, Ryan Littlejohn, Tom Griffin, Ash Gillon, Connor Ross, Logan Clarke
The Devils look hungry in 2023.
Their squad remains largely unchanged with Ash Gillon added while Phil Bungard and Callum White look the key personnel to build their team around. Jake Bleach, Connor Ross and Kade Haley-Broderick have a wealth of experience.
What to expect: A similar effort to last year but hopefully some icing on the cake. That is, it fell over late last year and will be better for the experience. But seven does not fit into four so three teams have to miss out — this side could be one of the teams trying to grab that last spot.
St Clair Saints
Squad: Scott Mitchell, Parker Aluesi, Conor Jamison, Matt Crawford, Cody McMullan, Tony Giles, Connor Howes, Brent McEwan, Chris Idour, Jacob Bellamy
There could be some sting in this side after a dominant display in round robin before losing to the Bombers on home soil in the final in what looked their best chance to finally get one over the old foe.
Their squad is largely unchanged aside from 14-year-old Conor Howes emerging from the local Futures Golf scene. Former Otago No 1 Brent McEwan has also signed on, however he is likely to play more of a fill-in role if past seasons are anything to go by.
What to expect: A good strong squad on paper from the experience of Giles to the talented Aluesi — it’s hard not to make a case for a top-two finish and from there going one better will be the goal.
Taieri Lakes
Squad: Mark Andrews, Ken Shaw, Ryan Rosevear, Jaxon Boyes, Brett Kennelly, Blair Bennett, Tayne Derriman Matt Mercer, Matt Lee, Jarred Mitchell.
The Mosgiel side’s hopes will again rest upon the availability of its veterans Ken Shaw, Brett Kennelly and Mark Andrews throughout the season.
They welcome newcomers Jarred Mitchell and Tayne Derriman to the side while the emergence of Jaxon Boyes will be something to keep an eye on. Southland representative Matt Tautari is a key omission and will be sorely missed at the top of the order.
What to expect:
The Lakes side has the ability to beat the best with its best. A semifinal place is well in reach but anything could happen here.
