GOLF.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 138, 12 June 1926, Page 27

GOLF.

JOTTINGS FROM THE LINKS. The second round of the Gardner Cup, at Titirangi, brought forth very fair scoring, the field being led by R. L. Wilson, who, aided by a handicap of IG, returned a net score of 75. A long marker in E. W. Griffiths, whose card read 101— 25—76, filled the role of next best, while R. J. Torrens and J. M. Hunter followed with scores of 78 net. Griffiths is' yet another of Auckland's leading tennis players to partake of a kindred sport and throw in his lot with Maungakiekie. In Robson and Bartleet and Grilliths and Brindsen the slub now harbours the leading doubles combination, and for golfing ability pride of place must be awarded to Bartleet, who has rapidly ascended the ladder. For the little experience they have had, both Brindsen and Griffiths display considerable promise, and there is pleasure in recording their progress. Torrens, who is in the limelight in the event under review, is identical with the winner of the Easter Cup at Titirangi, and has for some time past been playing well up to his mark. He is a left-hander, with a nice, even action, and will at no very distant date effect still further reduction in his handicap. W. P. Aitkin also handed in a card of 78 net, and in returning this score placed himself in second position on the aggregate of the two rounds to H. L. Robson, whose 81 net gave him a total of 152. Truly the thirteenth is the unlucky hole, as here Aitkin required no less than eleven to hole out. A missed drive, which found a drain, was the initial cause of the downfall, while unbounded optimism in the direction of five attempts to dislodge the ball put the seal on the debacle. Finally, however, perseverance was rewarded, and in the foregoing lies perhaps the tale of how the cup was won and lost. R. 0. Gardner, the donor of the cup, and A. V. Peace, with scores of 80—2—78 and 88—10—78 respectively, were the others to finish within the radius of 80. The bogey handicap played at One Tree Hill was won by H. W. Frost, who from the nine mark was 2 down. The winner is a newcomer to the club, and previously played in Wellington, being remembered as a visitor to the tournament held by the Manawatu Golf Club prior to the New Zealand championship meeting at Napier in 1919.

The second round of the E. R. Bloomfield bowl, at Middlcmore, also brought forth good scoring, the round of 75 returned by club champion H. iB. Lusk being especially good. Lusk has throughout last season and up to the present been playing very well, his second shots in particular being a feature of his game, and but for his unaccountable day off on the greens at Easter, would have proven a difficult proposition in the provincial test. Certainly he is able to devote a fair amount of time to practice, but the fact is not to be lost sight of that such is put to good advantage, as the consistency of his scoring reflects. Dr. F. Macky set a merry pace, and in handing in a card reading 78—7—71 was evidently playing very solidly. The doctor has a fine natural swing, and is able to gain considerable length without undue hitting. It has long been felt that he harbours ability which, if given opportunity for development, would bring him down considerably on the handicap list, and the score r under review strengthens this viewpoint. C. M. Gordon finished with a net 76, as did C A. Bowen from the 4 mark. The latter has been playing consistently this season, and was one who did not leave the issue in doubt in the recent inter-club with Maungakiekie. A trio in A. BoTldington, H. P. Richmond and C. N. Jacobsen were also amongst those with cards of 76 net, and in finding time to devote to the royal and ancient game, H. P. Richmond is scoring quite consistently. Jacobsen has had a long spell of trouble with his wooden shots, and being one with a natural capacity for games, the experience has been most trying. It is a source of satisfaction,, therefore, to perceive him giving a glimpse of his abilities. There are not the number of low handicap men figuring in the result that might reasonably be expected, but on reflection an important fixture in other spheres no doubt proved a stron« counter attraction, taking toll of the entries. J. L. Clarke, scratch, 79 was the best gross score next to H. B. Lusk, and the only remaining score at which comment can perhaps be levelled is that of club captain S. J. Hanna, whose boast of being the worst golfer that has yet honoured the post will be seriously endangered if improvement of but a stroke or two be effected. ' Moss has been playing so brilliantly recently that the possibility of a challenge match for a substantial stake which has been mooted is a matter of interest. No doubt the main difficulty would be the finding of the professional willing to undertake the combat, and possessed of the necessary backing. The names of Mcintosh and Shaw have been mentioned as possible opponents, and no doubt, a match with the former would provide a very keen contest. Shaw's brilliancy, also, is such as would thoroughly test the ingenuity of the northern champion, but in view of his recent exploits there is little doubt that considerable support would be accorded Moss locally. The suggestion has been made that the match take place on courses other than Middlemore, the names of .Hamilton and Titirangi being mentioned, the test to comprise 36 holes on each course. Moss has stated that partnered by Clements he would also be willing to take part in a four-ball event, and -his willingness in this direction may have the effect of stirring some of his Southern contemporaries to action. At all events the suggestions quicken interest, particularly from the professional viewpoint, and we shall no doubt in the near' future receive evidence whether any of the leading professionals feel disposed .to accept the challenge. While upon the subject of v the form Moss has recently displayed, mention may be made of the near approach of the Australian cham-

pionships. It can reasonably be antici-j pated* that given the opportunity to compete, Moss would give a very good i account of himself, and I think, if only' from the point of view ol comparison, a. large number of enthusiasts would < welcome such opportunity being afforded ! him. So far as I am able to ascertain J. A. Clements ranks as the only professional from this -side to attack the ■ Australian Open Championship. This was, I think, so far back as 1912, and; although not successful in his quest, he' at least worthily upheld the status of r New; Zealand professional golf, " j

j My morning contemporary has pointed out the very unatisfactory state of 1 affairs in respect of the defining of the j hazards at Titirangi, and being in the l position to offer explanation I may say j that the .matter has presented a little more difficulty than might appear on the surface. The hazards should, however, be clearly defined by the time this appears in print, the instructions to put in the pegs having been given prior to the appearance of the article under I review. Truly new members could not at the time of writing be expected to observe fully the requirements, but from now "on there should be no doubt ■ as to the areas to be treated as hazard. There is no intention to allow of other flian the strict observance of the conditions governing the game, and the suggestion regarding "permitting the practice of making light of the difficulties, etc.," is perhaps , a little harsh and savours of much ado about nothing.