Indifferent Form Of Top Golfers In Russley Event

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30100, 6 April 1963, Page 9

Indifferent Form Of Top Golfers In Russley Event

'VV’HIIjE the fairways were in perfect condition—it is evident that the new watering system is proving a marked success —most of those playing in the Russley Golf Club’s open tournament last week-end found conditions generally a little tricky as well as often rather unpleasant.

Few putted consistently or with confidence on greens which were hard and fast on Saturday, but more holding and better-paced for the final two rounds. Yet the winner, K. D. Foxton, was never really bothered, and significantly R. C. Murray, who has seldom performed so dreadfully with his putter, was quick to emphasise that his lapses were not the fault of the greens. Considering the number of low handicap players competing, the scoring among the seniors was quite disappointing, and it seems unlikely that the Canterbury selectors received much help in their problem of sorting and sifting for this year's Freyberg Rosebowl defence.

Only Foxton with 291—a fine effort after an indifferent start—and Murray with 296, could break 300 for the 72 holes. In third place came R. E. Clements, nine behind Murray with 305, then E. H. M. Richards, A. C. Browne, and R. J. Ramsey (now a Wellington representative) all with 306.

Among the absentees were I. S. Harvey and A. W. Robinson from last

year’s winning combination, and the former provincial representatives, G. P. Vesty and J. G. Scott. Harvey’s position could hardly be in any doubt, for ait his best he is one of the country’s finest golfers. But the selectors must have been mildly disturbed at the play of the former Canterbury champion, C. W. Caldwell, and B. A. Colquhoun who with 316 and 318, finished well down the list, and of D. F. Williamson and B. L. Clegg, who in 1961 was named as reserve.

Caldwell at his best would be a certain selection, but he has had little chance for practice so far this season. Probably the week-end’s golf will prove of considerable benefit and his steady improvement from an opening round of 84 must be a good sign for the immediate future. Colquhoun started with a shocking 87, during which his usually impeccable short game deserted him entirely, and he was never consistent, improving to 75 and a one-over 74 before lapsing again to 79. His chipping and putting as the tournament progressed regained much of its expected fine touch, but Colquhoun was indifferent from tee and fairway and never in any command. But he is a fine match player and certain to improve rapidly. As usual Richards and Clegg provided many of the tournament's spectacular moments with their powerful if often inaccurate, driving and remarkable recoveries and at times their somewhat unorthodox eagles and birdies. But Richards played some holes perfectly, and was in form in his second round of 71. He is one who probably made a forward step in his bid to regain his place. Browne, with the same score as Richards, may yet improve on his selection as reserve last year. Three rounds of 75 were spoiled by an 81; he was not alone in the inability to avoid a bad round in four played in two days. Like Browne, Clements was hitting the ball well for the most part, but he could not avoid the odd bad hole, dements was never

far from par but he seemed to set his pattern for the tournament when he played 17 holes in scratch figures in the first round but marred his card with a six at the par three fifteenth. There will be a 36-hole stroke event at Waimairi next Sunday which, with the Easter championship at Shirley, will help to clarify the selectors’ problems. With all the indifferent efforts of some leading candidates, there was a marked absence of any newcomers offering a serious challenge. But the youthful C. V. Stokes achieved something few others could match, when with 77, 79, 78, and 79 he broke 80 in each of his rounds. At least he displayed a good temperament and consistency.