GOLF

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21423, 15 March 1935, Page 17

GOLF

NOTES OF THE DAY [By "LOFTEK.'M At Shirley on Saturday the mixed fourball bogey competition for the A. E. G. Rhodes bowl, the opening event for the 1935 season, drew an excellent entry, more than 100 members taking out cards. Despite the oppressive heat during the afternoon, scores generaUy were excellent. Notable cards returned were those of Miss Eileen Nutt (14) and J. S. Connell (6), who were the successful partners, 8 up. Details of their gross score (72). which equalled the standard scratch score, were, out: 54355545 3—39 In: 54434343 3—33. Other creditable scores were those of Miss H. Buchanan and P. R. Godby, 7 up, Mrs Foster and P. S. Foster, Mrs Butcher and D. H. Butcher, 5 up.

A glance at the programme ol the Christchurch Golf Club's Easter tournament, the twenty-eighth of the series, shows that the Canterbury amateur championship will be decided at Shirley by 72 holes of stroke play, two rounds being held on Saturday, April 20, and two rounds on Monday, April 22. The Dobson Cup (now a handicap event) is to be decided concurrently with the Canterbury championship. The competitor with the lowest net aggregate score over the "2 holes of match play will secure this trophy. On Tuesday, April 23, an 18 holes foursomes bogey competition will decide the Humphreys Cup, and in the afternoon a Canadian foursomes bogey the Dominion Cup. The programme also includes four stroke handicap events. Entries will close with the secretary on Monday, April 15.

The Christchurch Ladies' Golf Club's Easter tournament will commence on Friday. April 26, when two qualifying rounds for the women's Canterbury championship, Shirley trophy <a knock-out event) and stroke handicaps are scheduled. On Saturday, April 27, the Islington Cup, a mixed foursome event, will be held. The tourney will continue on Monday, April 29, when the first and second rounds (match play) of the womens' Canterbury championship will be decided, the final taking place on Tuesday, April 30. The respective holders are Miss V. Fleming and Miss K. Johnston (Shirley trophy). Entries close with Miss M. Beadel (honorary secretary), on Wednesday, April 17.

In the men's section the winners last year of the various events were C.J.Ward (Canterbury championship), A. R. Blank (Dobson Cup), W. T. Harman and L. Hansen (Humphreys Cup) and L. J. Taylor and E. M. Macfarlane (Dominion Cup).

The final statement issued by the council of the New Zealand Golf Association, respecting the British golf tour, shows a loss of £290 2s 6d. It is understood that the golf council is prepared to share the loss with Mr A. Sims, of London (who guaranteed the expenses of the trip). This loss, according to the council's monthly report, is accounted for by Sarazcn's exhibition matches, and the lateness of the season. It may be recalled that the visitors' Australian tour, although held earlier in the season, created little interest outside official golf circles, the general opinion being that the visitors were not a very strong side—only McLean being outstandnig.

"I have improved my game considerably during the last year because I have been more careful on the greens than formerly, having realised the importance of accurate putting," remarked a local associate champion recently. It is, as everyone knows. usually impossible to score well when one is missing putts, putts which actually count just as much as a missed drive. An old golf maxim, "A yard on the green is worth 10 on the fairway," is probably as true to-day as ever. Ajthough inaccurate play through the green naturally diminishes one's chance, matches in these days are still wen on the green. Only at odd times would this opinion seem incorrect. Perhaps only for beginners is it necessary to stress the point that good putting is the result of much practice along the right lines.

The first annual contest for the Lauchlan Shield among the club champions of the Wellington provincial area was played at tho Miramar links on Saturday. Keen interest was taken in the event—a champions' championship—no fewer than 17 players taking part. Those eligible were all 1934 champions of affiliated clubs in the districts southward from Wanganui. Marton, and Napier inclusive to Wellington. Two steady rounds, a 73 in the morning and one of 77 in the afternoon, enabled J. L. Black to secure the championship and the shield given by Mr J. R. Lauchlan. The aggregate scores were: J. L. Black (Hutt) 150, W. G. Clark (Levin) 153, J. H. Drake 'Miramar) 154, A. D. S. Duncan (Heretaunga) 156, T. H. Horton (Masterton) 166, M. Moore (Titahi) 157, L. W. Mc ! Girr (Mornington) 160, B. M. Silk (Wanganui) 161, W. T. Kuru (Porangahau) 162, D. M. Boyd (Thorndon) 166, W. T. Wilson (Foxton) 166, W. Martin (Judgeford) 170, G. F. Hogg (Waiwetu) 171, J. Kember (Paekakariki) 172, A. J. Craighead (Karori) 176, J. B. Duthie (Feilding) 176, C. K. Goodwin (Carterton) 197.

From a glance at the published results of a stroke handicap event held concurrently, it is noted that only three scratch men were included in the field, namely. A. D. S. Duncan. T. H. Horton, and B. M. Silk, former Kirk-Windeyer players.

A handicap system which is not unknown locally in friendly games is "Bangalore." It certainly tends to keep the game alive, because when any player becomes 2 up he has to concede a stroke a hole until the game is square again. It is claimed that more interesting matches result when this system is in force.

Playing at the Maungakiekie Golf Club's links during a recent week-end J. Balgarnie, one of the youngest members of the club, holed out in one. This feat was performed at the third hole, a distance of 179 yards, and the player used a No. 3 iron. According to an Auckland report, this is only the third ocasion in four years that a hole-in-one has been done at the Maungakiekie course.

Fine weather prevailed at Balmaccwan on Saturday, when 48 pairs took part in a mixed foursome competition. Scores were not outstanding, the event being won by an "all square" card, that of C. Glover and Mrs A. Barnett. H. J. Dodgshun and Mrs Dodgshun, .T. A. Scouler and Mrs Scouler, and J. H. McDougall and Mrs E. G. Williams, 1 down respectively, tied for second place.

Last year's drought in Britain had a bad effect on golf courses. Probably for the first time on record the old course at St. Andrews was closed for eight weeks. When play was resumed in December the course v/as played in a reverse direction, in order that it would benefit thoroughly from its recuperation, and it has also been arranged to close it for a further period ot six weeks during the growing season, so that it will be thoroughly recovered for busy weeks ahead nextsummer. The December issue of London "Golf Illustrated" states that an augmented staff of greenkeepers has been labouring on the famous course making good the effect of the drought. Greens have been spiked, sanded, and top-dressed, bare patches of the fairways have been grassed, and large tracts have been returfed. Among the important events to be decided at St. Andrews in the near future are the Scottish amateur championship of ?.93!5 and the British amateur championship of 1936. .. —-..

Why does a player ground his putter immediately in front of the ball? For the precise reason that that is the spot where his maximum effort is to take place,'and so he sets his legs and forearm muscles accordingly. If then, he holds his muscles at that spot through the stroke, both power and rhythm are assured. —Abe Mitchell.

Recently five golf clubs, which had made application, were elected members of the New Zealand Golf Association. These include the Havelock North Golf Club. Hawke's Bay; Oaro Golf Club, Marlborough; Pongakawa Country Golf Club, Bay of -Plenty; Remuera Golf Club, Auckland; and Wellingford Golf Club. Waipukurau.

The 1935 New Zealand championship meeting will be held at Shirley the week commencing Friday, October 11. The final of the national amateur championship is to be decided on Saturday, October 19. The meeting was last held at Shirley in 1931.

Country golf clubs are requested—or reminded—by the council of the New Zealand Golf Association to make early application for the services of cither T. H. Green (North Island) or J. A. Clements (South Island), the two travelling professionals employed by the golf council.

Several Dominion golf clubs intend to hold golf tournaments during Easter (April 20, 23), when, with one or two exceptions, the chief events to be decided are the provincial championships. Easter tourneys will be held by the Hamilton Golf Club, Invercargill Golf Club, Napier Golf Club, New Plymouth Golf Club, Manawatu Golf Club. Wellington Golf Club, and the Christchurch Golf Club.

Excellent entries and good scores marked the official opening of the season at Templelon on Saturday. The improved condition of the course, especially the greens, was favourably commented on by visiting players. The recently installed watering system has benefited the course generally. From the large attendance of members and the interest shown in the opening event, it would seem evident that Templeton will have another successful season. It is understood that 50 new members were elected recently.

The first of the series of four interclub matches between Otago and St. Clair took place recently at Balmacewan, when Otago proved too strong by Ih games to Ah,. In the foursomes St. Clair led by one game, but in the afternoon the majority of the Otago team improved and won six of the eight singles. In the top foursomes Ross and Sime (Otago) were three down at the twelfth against C. B. Wight and Clayton, but squared the match at the eighteenth.

In the handicap singles Ross (4 and 3) beat Wight, Ross's figures for the round being 71. Sime played brilliant golf for a round of 69, and outclassed Clayton, the Otago man, winning by the substantial margin of eight and six. Although Scouler (Otago) went round in 71, he was beaten by Bonnie ((59), 3 up. , A feature of Bonnie's game was his accurate iron play and his putting. W. M. Satterthwaife and W. G. Wight were also successful for St. Clair. The Richmond Hill Club will open its season on March 23 with a mixed fourball Stableford 14-hole match. Players arc asked to arrange their own partners and opponents. The Russley Club will open the season to-morrow with a mixed fourball bogey competition. Sunday. March 17, will be an open day. The competitions will be a fourball bogey in the morning and a stroke handicap in the afternoon. Players will arrange their own partners and opponents. CHRISTCHURCH CLUB The following is the draw for the first qualifying round of the Borthwick Vase and the first round of the War Memorial Cup, to be played at Shirley to-morrow? — 10.30—A. H. Glasgow and W. L. M. Dearsley. J. P. Whettcr and E. D. Pillion, P. Curtis and R. de B. Ashworth, H. L. Andersen and R. I. Muriy.

11 a.m.—A. R. Blank and E. M. Macfarlane, A. L. Cropp and P. S. Foster, M. K. Gray and P. H. N. Freeth, B. E. H. Whitcombe and W. B. Purchas, A. A. Boon and F. S. Taylor. C. P. Agar and E. Rcay, H. R. T. Spanjcr and J. A. Jamieson. 11.30 a.m.—J. S. Middleton and L. G. K. Steven, J. H. M. Sheppard and C. A. Stringer, W. A. C. McDonald and S. P. Godfrey, W. T. D. Harman and K. J. Walker, K. B. Bain and H. E. Button, L. Harris and L. J. Tayler, L. A. Woodward and G.'A. K. Williams. 12 noon—N. E. Tingey and C. Bonnington, J. O. Jameson and C. K. Sams. S. H* Hooper and D. M. Christie, C. J. Wilson and F. A. Britlan, P. Wood and J. Wyn-Irwin, H. G. Denham and W. N. Seay, A. C. Thomson and J. F. Tipping. 12.30 p.m.—D. Reese and E. J. Cordner. A. M. Satterthwaite and K. W. Robinson, J. Dolph and W. G. Morrison, J. L. Vorgette and R. M. Adams, C. N. Fraser and L. B. Scott, M. H. Godby and D. H. Butcher. C. Holdsworth and M. J. Russell.

1 p.m.—J. S. Conncll and C. A. Seymour, L. Hansen and A. L. Macfarlane. W. G. Scannell and G. W. Havcrfield. L. A. Dougall and R. G. Arnould, E. J. Pumphrey and R. S. Beadel, F. S. Grant and G. N. Francis, G. N. Fairhurst and G. R. Stevenson.

1.30 p.m.—L. M. Best and I. M. Godbv, Sir Cyril Ward and O. A. Y. Johnston, P. R. Godby and M. W. Simes, D. M. Foreman and E. W. Hasell, F. P. Tymons and L. Treleaven. R. W. Morgan and C. J. Ward, W. A. McQueen and J. M. Epps. 2 p.m.—P. M. Collins and C. H. Taylor. A. D. Kerr and N. H. Skinner. G. T. Weston and J. F. Duncan, P. D. Shea and G. P. Parkinson. C. S. Morris and J. H. Hewlett. C. H. Hewlett and J. H. Mori lock, F. Armstrong and A. D. Tench, F. E. Graham and W. R. Lascellos, A. T. Donnelly and M. G. Louisson. IT. S. Williams and S. N. B. Wynne, F. G. Bristed and P. H. Wood. Any player who is unable to play is asked to communicate with the secretary, and any players who are not included in the draw and who wish to play arc asked to advise the secretary. TEMPLETON COUNTRY CLUB The match this week-end at the Templcton links will be a bogey match under the Stableford system, with' separate matches for men and women, commencing at 9 a.m. Players are to arrange own opponents and starting times. HANMER SPRINGS CLUB The following is the draw for the final round of the Lodge. Cup, to be played on March 17:— E. N. Smith and J. B. Graves; D. M. Lewis and B. P. Moodie; D. Stark and Miss James; E. W. Carter and E. Rutherford; T. Menzies and F. Malaquin; Miss Parsons and Miss Pcnney; H. J. Peek and P. Cross; A. Reid and J. Manson; C. Lahmert and Miss Henshaw; D. Slaverf and D. Roach; Mrs Ross and B. Bradshaw; Miss Melbom and Miss Maxwell; Mrs Cross and J. Ponton; H. F. Egan and Miss Sutherland. WAIMAIRI BEACH CLUB The official opening of the Waimairi Beach Golf Club will take place on Sunday next at 10 a.m. There will be a mixed foursome in the morning and a Canadian foursome, mixed or otherwise, in the afternoon, for members only. Players will arrange partners and opponents, and post entries will be accepted.

HAREWOOD CLUB The following is the draw for the first qualifying round of the captain's junior trophy. and a stroke handicap ito be played at the week-end. Members not on the tee and ready to start at the appointed time will be placed at the bottom of the draw: — ' 8.45 a.m.—No. 1 tee: T. C. Wallace, W. F. Blackwell, and J. A. Davis; D. I. Macdonald, A. Johnston, and G. C. Hill; J. R. Cameron, J. F. Stratton, and W. E. Rogers. No. 10 tee: A. W. Williams, E. H. Buckeridge, and L. P. Symes; G. F. Hart, D. H. Stratton, and J. L. Harrison; J. M. Bingham, D. Crozier, and F. O. Schmidt. 9 a.m.—No. 1 tee: C. P. Agar, S. W. Binns, and E. H. Box; C. L. Green. R. E. Bennett, and C. R. Ogier; C. E. Hoy, G. W. Green, and A. H. Dargie. No. 10 tee: A. A. Grimmer, A. L. Kay, and S. T. Midgley; C. G. Penlington, J. H. Robertson, and J. A. Johnston; J. C. Johns, J. Simpson, and J. T. Watts. „ 9.15 a.m.—No. 1 tee: J. S. Wilson, D. S. Gower, and H. M. S. Dawson; C. J. McFadden, R. G. Malcolmson, and C. L. Crowley; A. C. Parson, E. T. Beaven, and A. M. Satterthwaite. No. 10 tee: D. M. C. Angus, C. T. Werren, and W. L. Lawry; L. N. Austin, L. J. Kincaid, and J. G. McDermont; S. J. Moore, M. W. Beaven, and A. B. Edwardes; N. S. Wyber, D. C. Crozier, and J. L. Kerr. 9.30 a.m.—No. 1 tee: A. R. Blank, F. Parris, and E. H. Smith; A. B. Hobbs, A. F. W. Preston, and A. E. Kincaid; G. B. Slade, N. Boon, and C. S. Peatc. No. 10 tee: L. R. Webley, F. H. Brown, and C. W. Champion: R. Twyneham, L. E. Cooke, and R. Robilliard; B. J. Wilkes, A. T. Bell, and H. M. Taylor. 9.45 a.m.—No. I tee: F. W. Stevens, J. D. Carl, and R. W. Nome; M. B. Cook, I. B. Cromb, and R. S. Smith; A. S. Geddes, J. R. Mills, and C. N. Thomson. No. 10 tee: T. W. Watson, J. H. Macdonald, and G. H. Frater; A. M. S. Sandston, I. W. Taylor, G. G. Simpson; J. R. Fisher, P. M. Irwin, and C. Haigh. 10 a.m.—No. 1 tee: D. Neil, J. T. Tavener, and C. E. Bowcn; L. J. Moorhouse and G. J. Jcnkin.

HAREWOOI) LADIES' CLUB The Harewood Ladies' Golf Club opened its season yesterday with a fourball bogey match, which was won by Mrs M. Armstrong and Miss M. Armstrong. The putting competition was won by Mrs D. Crozier. The best scores were:— Mrs'M. Armstrong and Miss M. Armstrong .. Bup Miss J. Donnelly and Mrs P. O'Shca . • 5 up Mrs J. Davis and Mrs It. Bell . . . . 2up Miss M. Ward and Mrs J. Smith-Wilson .. all square Mrs A. Fernandez and Mrs T. C. Wallace . . all square Mrs A. R. Blank and Miss ■ B. Sinclair .. all square Miss M. Irwin and Mrs A. T. Bell . . all square Miss A. Beadel and Mrs E. Hartley Smith . . all square RUSSLEY LADIES' (LI Jl* In the Stableford bogey match played by the Russley Ladies' Club yesterday, the winner was Mrs G. Leach. The opening day will be held on Thursday next, when a stroke handicap will be played, players to arrange their own partners.