BRITISH AMATEUR CHAMPION

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27987, 6 June 1956, Page 14

BRITISH AMATEUR CHAMPION

Warm Tributes To John Beharrell

“THE BOY” RETURNS TO SUTTON COLDFIELD (Special Correspondent N.Z.PJt.)

LONDON. June 4. A civic reception was given to 18-year-old John Beharrell on his return home to Sutton Coldfield from Troon after lie had become the youngest player ever to win the amateur golf championship and the first Englishman to win the title since 1933.

His victory is hailed as the most encouraging thing that has happened in British golf for years, and golfing writers without exception have used all their superlatives in describing Beharrell** play and his mental approach to the game. It is the first and only golf title he has ever won since he took up the game at the age of eight on the advice of his doctor to get fresh air after pneumonia. “The Boy,” as he was known throughout the championship, has been coached by Jack Cawsey, the professional at Pypehayes, Birmingham, and Charles Ward, the Ryder Cup player. In the week of the championship Beharrell played three matches over 36 holes and 11 rounds. He beat such men as C. D. Lawrie, the Scottish international, lan Caldwell, the Walker Cup player, and Gene Andrews, the American. Finally, he beat Leslie Taylor, who played for Scotland last year and won the Edward trophy and the Tennant Cup. two of the principal stroke play event* in Scotland.

The final took place in a high wind, but. according to his custom. Beharrell practised before the match. He believe* in warming up before breakfast with 27 iron shots, 20 brassie shots, and 10 minutes' putting, and soon showed that he could play in it. One incident, widely reported a* an illustration of “The Boy’s’’ concentration, occurred during the last round. He was 6 up with 11 holes to play when Taylor won four holes in a row. At this point Beharrell inquired of the referee: “Excuse me. sir, can you tell me how the match stands?” The referee: You are 2 up. “Thank you. sir.” said Beharrell and sank a slippery eight-yard putt to go 3 up. “It still seems like a dream.” said Beharrell on returning to Sutton Coldfield. The newspapers devoted leading article* to his victory, one remarking that his name should be added to the honours list of the youth of England which include* Bannister. Chataway, Pirie, Moss, and Pat Smythe. ... His coach commented: “I hope he will now stop calling me Mr Cawsey and call me Jack.”

RANGIORA CLUB.—Stableford bogeysenior: J. D. Galloway 37 points, J. Gemmell 36. Intermediate: S. Wayland 32 points. W. McKechnie 31. B. d’Avergne 31. Junior: F. B Leech 33. B. Hawkins 27. G. Simpson 27. . KAIAPOI LADIES' CLUB.—Bogey hendicap—Senior: Mrs W. Kane (13), 4 down, Mrs R. G Rainey (6). 5 down. Junior. Mrs N. McKendry <Z4). 6 down. WAIMAIRI BEACH LADIES’ CLUB Stableford—A grade: Mrs J. Masterton. 30 points; Mrs M. Barron, 28; Mrs R. Ayrey. 27; Mrs L. Lewis, 25. B grade: Mrs R Hulme. 28; Mrs S. Henderson. 24; Mrs L. Broxton. 23; Mrs A. Le Boi. 23. CHARTERIS BAY CLUB.—Stableford: M. Manson 31. M. Foley, jun. 30. V. G. Henderson 30, R. Barnett 30. Stroke: H. M. S. Dawson. 81. 12—69; M. Manton. >l. 20—71; I. D. Stewart. 88. 15—73. CHARTERIS BAY LADIES’ CLUB Thirteen-hole stroke: Mrs R. H. Blaichford. 72. 17—55: Mrs A. Q Manson, 77. 18—59: Mrs A. H. Martin. 77. IS—59.