ON THE LINKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 173, 24 July 1930, Page 18

ON THE LINKS.

THE CLUB EVENTS.

NEW WAITEMATA RECORD.

COMMENT ON THE PLAY.

(By RUBBEROORE.)

The breaking of the course record at Waitemata by Fred Warren revives old memories. It is difficult to realise that practically twenty years have passed since one met him in the old inter-club games. Warren's assumption of leadership of his club followed the departure of Penman, and the laying aside of clubs, at least temporarily, by "Ali" Howden. A year previous we had' seen P. Balgarnie defeat Allan Clouston in the club, championship, "Bal" having turned on excellent figures in the afternoon round. Clouston was a delightful stylist and one of the prettiest golfers one could wish to see. Bartleman having also gone, Warren rose, as it were, from the ashes to carry on club prestige. The strength of Waitemata had been such that its first half-dozen were the equal collectively of any in the province. An All-roiinder. Though Warren's, record is not so good as several of those who preceded him, he at least possesses more than average ability, a remarkable eye being perhaps his strongest point. To dip further into the pages of the past one finds him a leader in old Shore cricketing circles somewhere at the time Alf Haddon' reorganised the Shore attack. W. S. Spence and "Wal" Bush were- colts of those days, and both have now a common interest in golf as members of the Maungakiekie Club. One would have thought that since Warren some years ago won the singles championship of his club on the bowling green,, his active participation in golf had passed. His latest exploit, therefore, is remarkable, and one is left to wonder where his ■ natural aptitude far games will yet lead him. Strangely enough, Warren seldom, if ever, took part in tournament play, hence his real capabilities on the links were known but to the few. His 62, however, turns a leaf in Waitemata history, reminding us of its champions of the past. It is pleasing to know that the old triumvirate, "Bal," Howden and Warren, are still with us and capable of showing the way to a younger generation. Four-Ball Specialists. Four-ball matches would seem to have became a specialty with D. R. Garrard, and though there was no 10 up about it on Saturday he combined successfully with R. E. Craig. Both show promise, and Garrard in particular is having a most successful season. R. Verry and Shanly, and T. H. Chapman and J. Methven were pairs to also score well, a missed putt separating them from the winners. A Long-marker's Win. C. H. Herman's 90 from the 20 mark proved too elusive for the opposition at Middlemore, though R. B. Wilson and J. B. McFarlane in each returning a net 72 made the competition interesting. The latter's effort is especially pleasing, as he is one of the G.O.M. of the Auckland Club. Wilson is one of the most promising players Ave have, his-game having undergone marked improvement. He gels splendid length with a minimum of effort, and once his

game to tha green consolidates -will reach top- rank. His future is to be viewed in a most helpful lights Waitemata Course. The tie for the Ferry Cup at Waitemata, following the second play-off, brings to mind struggles of past years for the captain's prize at Middlemore when drawn matches were replayed. So far as McLeod and Bailey are concerned, whichever wins will ' certainly have earned the honours. The 3 up by Whitley in the Duder Memorial . was an excellent effort, and he now eeems very favourably placed in the event. It is a matter for satisfaction that the Waitemata course is to be lengthened and improved. At the moment it scarcely affords the desired test, but added length, provided the par value of the holes is kept religiously in view, should result in more interesting play. The correct number of drive and pitch and two shotters should, if possible, be provided, , always, of course, in proportion to the number of holes laid down. In the Province. Scoring at Pukekohe was not such as to refer to in enthusiastic terms, nevertheless Schlaepfer could do more than win. Two of the club's old identities, in Payne and "Denny" Coyle,. also played good rounds to fill the role of runnersup. Eclectic matches being much of a bagatelle it is difficult to assess merit on scores returned. The Rotorua match was at least keenly contested, CarlyonBritton and S. E. Carr's net 64 representing eolid scoring. Simmonds, Hay, and George also played well up to handicap, while M. D. Carr. showed up well from the 4 mark. • The club's annual championship tournament to be held toward the end of August, promises to be liberally patronised, many Aucklanders having signified intention of being present. In a few cases, however, low. markers are endeavouring to find time to visit Palmerston instead of Rotorua, though it is safe to assume there will be sufficient short markers present from other centres to maintain the standard generally obtaining at Rotorua. After all should one's golf be indifferent there is a charm about Arikikapakapa that makes the trip well worth while. i

The semi-finals of the Bell Cup at St. Andrews produced good matches, and Sutcliffe and Wilkes should have a hard game in the final. Guy's gross 80 in the medal .competition followed a steadily played round, and he is a useful performer on 8. J. L. Black's 75 was a good score, showing him to be approaching his best form. At the beginning of the season his golf was indifferent, and it is a matter for satisfaction that he should be finding his touch, as the New Zealand championships approach. Though he has yet to win the amateur title he has gone within an ace of doing so on several occasions, and outside Arthur Duncan easily holds the record for the most consistent amateur. So far his game has lacked that essence of sting to pull him through, but perhaps this year his turn may come. The professional standard having now definitely advanced it is doubtful whether he will figure so prominently in the open championship as in previous years.