HANGZHOU, China, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The first ever China-New Zealand Junior Golf Team Match reeled off at Fuchun Golf Course here on Thursday, featuring golfers from the two countries for a three-day competition to determine the ultimate winner.

The tournament, jointly initiated by the China Golf Association and the Institute of Golf in New Zealand, adopts the Junior Ryder Cup system, with each team comprising 12 players.

The two teams will compete in foursomes, doubles and singles matches.

The Chinese team consists of the top 10 junior golfers listed on the China Golf Association's official ranking, plus two more local players from Hangzhou. The New Zealand team features 12 golfers selected by the Institute of Golf in New Zealand.

The Team Match will feature two tournaments, with a return leg to be held in New Zealand in the second half of 2019.

To encourage more people to play golf, 30 junior players from the Hangzhou Golf Training Center and local primary and middle schools are also invited and will play in a nine-hole match on March 30.