Palmer, Six Under, Leads Champions

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30739, 1 May 1965, Page 13

Palmer, Six Under, Leads Champions

r.V.Z.P.A.- Reuter—Copyright! LAS VEGAS, April 30. R. J. Charles shot a two-under-par 70 in the first round of the 75,000 dollar champion of champions golf tournament yesterday, United Press International reported.

Charles had a poor first nine of 37. but finished strongly with a 33 for the return journey. Leading the high-class field was Arnold Palmer, trying for his first tournament victory of the year. Palmer had seven birdies in his round of 66 and was over par on only one hole. Sharing second place on 68 were Billy Casper. Dick Sikes and Sam Snead who. at 52, is the oldest player in the select field of 26. Only those golfers who had won a United States P.G.A. tournament in the last 12 months were eligible to compete. Nicklaus Fails On 69. with B. Crampton (Australia), were four players. including Doug Sanders, at present third in the moneywinners’ list. The big surprise was the

failure of Jack Nicklaus. who slumped with a two-over-par 74. He was in the rough several times with his drives and putted poorly. He dropped strokes on three holes and had only one birdie in his round. Nicklaus was a hot pre-tournament favourite to capture his third successive champion of champions title. Another of the favourites, the British Open champion, Tony Lerna, had a 73. Results Corrected The scores in the semifinals of the Canterbury women’s golf championships were transposed in ‘The Press” yesterday. The correct results were:— Miss C. Sullivan beat Miss M. Ensor. 3 and 2: Mrs N. D. Cullen beat Miss S. Grigg, 1 up.