GOLF FOR THE MILLION.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 94, 22 April 1926, Page 7

GOLF FOR THE MILLION.

AS WELL AS MILLIONAIRES. THE CRAZE IN ' THE STATES. . « PROFESSOR '» KIRKWOOD TALKS. <By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received .130 p.m.) NEW. YORK, April 21. Kirkwood and Hagen, with, whom the Australian has' played as partner for several" seasons - here, are planning to make an Australian- tour next year. Kirkwood, commenting on- the project, expressed the opinion that American and Australian sport would benefit greatly by an interchange of players. He felt that Australian sports would receive a new impetus from contact with American sportsmen, as had. been notable in tennis. Kirkwood is leaving shortly for England, where he will take part in important matches, returning to the United States at the end- of-the northern season. He will then perfect arrangements for the Australian visit. Kirkwood is enthusiastic about American golf, although he said that from a technical playing viewpoint the Australian courses compare favourably with the American. The latter have the advantage of the expenditure of greater sums of money on the courses, as well as the clubhouses. He added that American courses show the benefits of greater care of the turf, whereon much energy and money is spent. Kirkwood said he felt satisfied with the opportunities for professionals here, and pointed put that he has travelled over 41 States and Canada, and played on the most important American courses. He is. now conducting lectures on golf before American audiences. Keen interest in golfing is growing in the United States to such an extent that the number of public courses is increasing yearly, tending to reduce the cost of this sport to the ordinary citizen, who usually finds joining private clubs rather expensive. Kirkwood not only intends to continue his American residence, but, I understand, will shortly, apply for American citizenship, since this will facilitate his leaving the country for golfing expeditions abroad, without raising immigration dfficultes. He, moreover feels '"hat the citizenship is natural, since he is making his living here, and because of his own interest in the developmnet of American golf.—(A. and-N.Z. Cable.)