K. D. Foxton Ready For New Role In Golf

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30793, 3 July 1965, Page 11

K. D. Foxton Ready For New Role In Golf

r T'O Keith Foxton golf has always been a challenge. Throughout his notable career in the game it is this attitude that has motivated his efforts to improve his technique, to further his experience in a variety of course and weather conditions and, all the while, evaluate the reasons for success or failure. Now standing on the threshold of a career as a professional, Foxton has adapted his outlook to suit his new role. Instead of projecting himself into the position of challenger he will concentrate on helping others to beat the game. Whether Foxton will ever produce a pupil to do this with the regularity he achieved is a moot point But at this stage, with the start of his appointment at Templeton just around the corner, it can be said safely that he has the knowledge and experience of a score of seasons, the ability to detect the reasons behind flaws in a player’s game and a frank but friendly way of telling him about them. Keith Foxton became a good golfer because he was always thinking about the game. He has never been content at playing a good shot: always he wanted to know why he played it What made it different from

a shot played with a similar club from a similar lie? Was it because he twisted his left hip or jammed his left heel down harder? “I have become a lot more analytical about my game in the last few years,” he says. “’ have been able to pin a lot down, but not the reason for that extra good shot I suppose it all boils down to determination.” He is well prepared for his new job—“l’ve seen a lot of good players and I’ve had a fair bit of knowledge and experience pushed into tne”—and he has the ability to detect faults in a person's swing. But he does not believe in “pressure cooker” lessons. One lesson a day Is of little use to a learner, he says. It is better to give the pupil a Week or two to assimilate one point before passing on to the next Foxton leaves the amateur ranks with a glowing reputation. His play under intense pressure on the final afternoon of the Freyberg Rosebowl contest at Waitikiri made a profound impression on all who saw it During his years with the Russley club he made a similar impression on a host of opponents; records show that he was beaten only sixteen times in 60 Rosebowl matches and only 14 times in 65 Woodward Cup games.

His great winning run in 1962 also remain fresh in the memory. Between May and October he won half a dozen club open tournaments, the North Canterbury stroke title—which he held for eight successive years—the Canterbury match play championship and the provincial men's foursomes event Oddly enough, the game he recalls with the greatest pride ended not in victory but defeat Playing R. J. Charles in an Easter tournament match at Shirley in 1959, Foxton lost on the last green after a classic encounter. Charles reached the turn in 33, three under par, but was one down. Charles was four under par for the round and the match produced a best-ball score of 64, including nine birdies and an eagle. Without exception, golf clubs in and around Christchurch hold Foxton in high esteem, not only for his great ability but also because of the support he gave to club tournaments, big or small. And when the last putt had been holed, Foxton would spend no little time with the long handicappers, listening to their problems and helping them with advice and encouragement. The goodwill he has built up in those long twilight hours will stand him in good stead as he embarks on his new career.