Internationals Anthony Ritchie and Chris Shilling are expected to dominate the elite events at the Otago championships this weekend.
The elite event is open to players with three bisques and under. Shilling's handicap is minus 3.5 and Ritchie's is minus 3.
The two Punga club players are a class above the rest of the 16-strong field that will contest the elite event on the Forbury club lawn.
Other challengers include Brian Muncton (Oamaru), who has a scratch handicap, Canadian Peter Westaway (Wanaka), Nairn Smith (Leith) and international Anne Sharp (Forbury).
There are a record 16 entries from non-Dunedin players for the championships.
Canadian Brigitte Westaway (Wanaka) is the favourite in the bisque four to nine section at Punga. The men's and women's separate championships will be played on Monday and Tuesday next week and the junior events on February 9-10.