Charles Among 7 Overseas Challengers For U.S. Open

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30471, 19 June 1964, Page 13

Charles Among 7 Overseas Challengers For U.S. Open

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON, June 18. One hundred and fifty of the world’s best golfers teed off today in the first round of the sixty-fourth United States Open golf championship.

Although the American stars —Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tony Lerna—are rated the top favourites, officials are not discounting the chance of an upset. And if one should occur, the winner might well come from among the seven players who make up one of the strongest overseas contingents to bid for the U.S. Open in years. Heading the list are South Africa’s Gary Player, now a veteran of the United States professional circuit, R. J. Charles, of New Zealand, the British Open champion, and David Thomas, the burly Welshman; Four Australians

The other four, all Australians—Kel Nagle, Bruce Crampton, Bruce Devlon and Billy Dunk—are considered to have an equally good chance of taking the title. The experts are not counting out the defending champion, Julius Boros, who last year became the second oldest player ever to win the U.S. Open, at the age of 43. Ted Ray, ’of Britain, was a few months older when he took the crown in 1920.

The 7053-yard par-70 Congressional course is supposed to favour a long-hitter like Nicklaus, and that is the rea-

son the stocky Ohioan is being rated the prime favourite by many. Nicklaus won the championship in 1962. Master Title-Holder Palmer, the U.S. Open winner in 1960, captured the coveted Masters tournament in April. Lerna is fresh from victories in the last two tournaments on the United States tour—the Thunderbird Classic and Buick Open—and undoubtedly is now at the peak of his game. But Lerna complained yesterday of feeling tired and said he thought either Nicklaus or Palmer would be the winner. The field, comprising 133 professionals and 17 amateurs, will be cut to 50 after Friday’s second round. The remainder will play the final 36 holes on Saturday. One of those missing from the field this year is Ben Hogan, a four-time winner of the title. He felt that he should be invited automatically and declined to compete in the qualifying play. But the U.S. Golf Association disagreed.

Decision On S. Africa (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, June 18. The question of whether South Africa will be allowed to compete in the Olympic Games in Tokyo in October is expected to be decided at the meeting of the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne on June 26 and 27. This was stated yesterday by the Marquess of Exeter, vice-president of the 1.0. C.

He welcomed the statement by the South African National Olympic Committee that a mixed team was being nominated for the Tokyo Games.

“1 am glad about that. It is splendid news and a great advance for sport,” he said.