MANY LOW HANDICAPS AMONG BOY GOLFERS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30218, 24 August 1963, Page 9

MANY LOW HANDICAPS AMONG BOY GOLFERS

■piFTY-one of the counx try’s finest young golff ers will compete for the 1963 New Zealand Boys’ championship at Shirley next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. With 13 of the competitors on handicaps of seven or better, the standard of pilay should reach a high level as the event progresses to the final. The title-holder, M. W. Collins (Manor Park), will be defending the Cobham Cup, the trophy associated with the championship. Collins and last year’s run-ner-up, D. R. Hope (Harewood), are both on a two handicap and will be the most favoured players. Others likely to be prominent are W. D. Gladstone (Titirangi) and J. A. Orr (Christchurch), both on three; P. V. Weber (Manawatu), four; R S. Peate (Harewood), winner of the

Miramar Plate last year, P. J. Watson (Taupo) and B. C. Taylor (Hiarewood), all on five; G. Clarke (Balclutha) and K. L. Rowlands (Waitikiri), six, and J. R. Fellows (Nelson), J. M. Lister (Highfield) and A. S. Holland (Russley), seven. The event which is confined to boys under 18, has attracted 51 entries, all but 15 of which are from the South Island. Hiarewood and Highfield (Timaru) have strong contingents and players will came from as far south as Invercargill. A number of the boys are making their own accommodation arrangements but 22 will be billeted. Mr R. W. Hope, of the Harewood club, has been of considerable assistance to the organising committee in arranging billets. The course should provide a good test of the players'

ability. It has improved greatly during the last few months although it is still somewhat wintry. The grass is growing, however, and will be cut for the championship. There will be placing throughout the three days’ play. Club members have been using temporary greens right through the winter and for the championship temporary greens will be used at first, fourth and seventh holes. The tees will be back almost to the championship marks —giving about the same distance as for club title events. The first day will be given over to two qualifying rounds and the championship match play begins on Wednesday morning. The finals of the championship the Miramar plate and flight handicaps will be played on Thursday afternoon.