SUCCESS FOR P. RANKIN

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30681, 22 February 1965, Page 3

SUCCESS FOR P. RANKIN

(New Zealand Press Association) HAMILTON, February’ 21.

The young Miramar amateur, P. C. Rankin, with a four-round total of 287, won the Penfold golf tournament at St. Andrews, Hamilton, today by four strokes from the Auckland Freyberg Rosebowl representative, F. A. Malloy, of Akarana.

Third, and the top professional, was F. X. Buckler, of Lochiel. He finished on 293 and so won the P.G.A. Trophy for 1965.

Second professional was the former Australian, now at Manawatu, B. J. Coxon on 296. Coxon, who will leave his professional job soon, to play the circuit, played much better today than he did in the first two rounds yesterday. Again the spotlight fell on Rankin. His 68 in the first round had given him a threestroke advantage over the field and he did not give it up.

He slipped a little in the third round this morning but still led the field. Some Blemishes His afternoon round was not without its blemishes. More than once he muffed his tee or fairway shot, but his recoveries were such that he always completed the hole in par figures. His effort to get under the card this afternoon was an excellent performance, because for the major part of his round heavy rain fell and conditions, especially on the greens changed rapidly. Mallov was brilliant tn the last round. His 69 Included three birdies. He completed all the rest of the holes in regulation figures. Buckler was sound throughout

the four rounds. He was very consistent with his placements to the green and his putting was sure and strong. A two under 70 in the third round gave Coxon a good chance to head Buckler for the professionals’ prize as he was only three strokes behind. However, Buckler could not be denied and finished with a one over par 73.

SCORES (P-, Denotes professional) 287: P. Rankin (Mlrimar), 68, 73. 75, 71. 291: F. A. Malloy (Akarana), 73, 74, 75, 69. 293: F. X. Buckler (Lochlel) (P.). 75. 72, 73, 73. 296: B; J. Coxon (Manawatu) (P-), 77. 76, 70, 73. 297: E. J. McDougall (Tokoroa), 72, 73, 73, 79. 298: 1. D. Woodbury (Hutt), 71, 74. 77, 76. 299: S. M. Leech (Hamilton), 74, 79, 75, 71. 300: E. Fennell (Rotorua) <P.), 76. 74, 78, 72; A. B. Jolly (Titirangi) (P.), 72, 77. 74, 77; B. T. Boys (Hamilton), 75, 76. 77, 72. 303: N. Hayden (Manukau (P.), 73, 76, 76, 78. 304: R. A. Tackson (Akarana) (P-). 82, 76, 71, 75; R. Gillespie (Remuera), 75, 75, 77, 77.