GOLF HIGHLIGHTS AT TE PUNA

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 15058, 19 August 1949, Page 5

GOLF HIGHLIGHTS AT TE PUNA

*> CANDID COMMENT ON PLAY Good Performance By A, E, Stephens Likely Contenders For Women's Title (By "Fairway") Playing some great golf at Te Puna last weekend, A. E. Stephens headed the field with a 71, but the; effort must have been too much as battled his way around the Tauranga links in the afternoon and had difficult- in breaking the hundred. He will be a hard man to beat in the championships. John Littlewood and Ray Armstrong should provide stiff opposition, while Sandy Snodgrass, who has been playing good go/f lately, has only to maintain present form to make his presence felt. The true test comes in championship play. Temperament plays a big part, and it is not always the best golfer who "brings home the bacon." Mesdames A. Mayfield and Pat Moloney appear to be the most likely contenders for the women's title. Both are experienced- match players. The former created a mild sensation some years ago in Tauranga. Starting off the season as a junior, she sailed serenely through a field of experienced golfers to collect the senior championship. Although lack of play over the years may have dimmed her prowess she is a formidable o r nonent,. Mrs Moloney has some good scalps to her credit. One-time holder of the Wellington junior championship pnd twice holder of the Sir Joseph Ward Cup she will provide Mrs Mayfield with tough opposition. Mrs Stan. Watkins has shown considerable improvement this season and may be a dark horse. Lack of big match experience may prove a handicap. Mrs Sutherland has been a capable performer. Her golf is

inclined to be erratic but nevertheless she is likely to come to light with one of those rounds to lower the colours of the others. Dave Cambie decided to try pastures new at the weekend when he had a round at Te Puna on Sunday. Although he did not exactly startle the natives, he accumulated some local knowledge which will be of considerable benefit to him on future occasions. Judging from the close study he was making of the swamp in front of the fourth tee, he should have improved his knowledge of marine growth. The spreading gum trees on the 7th must have proved a restful haven. Judging from the time he spent under them, of course, he may have been indulging in the local fashion of making use of the volley board. Mrs Billy Smith was trying to make port on the 7th fairway, but the going was tough. She tacked

from port to starboard and swung her iron vigorously. Unfortunately the effect of all this on the progress of the ball was scarcely noticeable. The air shot in the middle of it all was a classic. It even happens to the best, thought left-hander Charlie Sims as ho hookpd his tee shot on to the road at the first. But as three more followed the leader in lapid succession one got the impression that it was becoming a habit. There are always a lot of players watching from the clubhouse when some unfortunate shapes up at the first tee. The situation did not appear to worry Cliff Gear, as he nonchantly swung his wood. It was his un'ucky day. The ball did not even shudder.