20-Year-Old Chosen In N.Z. Women’s Golf Team

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30453, 29 May 1964, Page 13

20-Year-Old Chosen In N.Z. Women’s Golf Team

n A tr lP A to J > 1 ar^s m akes a handsome birthday present for Miss J. '’Otoday Auckland, the New Zealand junior golf champion, who is She has been included in the three-woman New Zealand team to compete m the world amateur championships in France in October. . • Zealand team is: Mrs J. Mangan (Manawatu-Wanganui), the captain; Miss P. Harnson (Waikato-King Country) and Miss Butler. The selection is an admirable balance of youth and experience. But when it yas announced at Shirley last evening after the completion of the Russell Grace interprovmcial tournament, it was clear Miss Butler was not old enough to be blase. 1 he moment her name was read out, she burst into tears.

MISS HARRISON, who Is 23. is a strongly-built player who has won an enviable reputation for her equable temperament, as well as for her skill. She is employed in a draughting office in Hamilton. Miss Harrison, who until recently was an Otago representative, has twice been to Australia with New Zealand teams. In 1962 she won the national title, after a tremendous battle with Miss A. Laing Scotland) which ended at the 37th hole. She commands length off the tees, and is a sound if not spectacular putter.

MRS MANGAN, the captain, is from Palmerston North. Her only loss in the tournament which ended yesterday was to Miss Harrison. A very experienced player—she has already been once to Britain and three times to Australia with New Zealand teams—she is a popular choice as team leader. A cheerful and modest player, she has yet to win a national title, but she was runner-up to Miss U. Wickham at Gisborne in 1959. Mrs Mangan is eminently sound from tee to green, and she has often shown the ability to fight back from apparently losing positions.

MISS BUTLER, a shop ' assistant in Auckland, has ; been national junior chami pion of New Zealand for ■ three years. . For one so i slightly built, she hits the i ball with startling power, and i although she perhaps lacks ■ experience against the best i opposition, she gives every indication of becoming an ; outstanding player. A smooth and correct i swinger, she has a good short • game. Golf must be in Miss Butler’s blood. Her father is greenkeeper at North Shore ' in Auckland, and some years i ago held a similar position at Waimairi Beach.