Golf Boycott ‘Bold Step'

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31066, 23 May 1966, Page 3

Golf Boycott ‘Bold Step '

(NZ. Press Assn.—Copyright)

SYDNEY, May 22. The Australian Professional Golf e r s’ Association this week took one of the boldest and most praiseworthy steps in its history with the dec-

laration of open warfare on the New Zealand circuit, a golfing commentator, Bob

Wilson, wrote in the “Sunday Telegraph” today.

‘■The move is a simple one of self-preservation initiated with the ban of Australian professionals competing in this year’s New Zealand Open.” said Wilson.

“New Zealand officials now will realise that the success

of their major tournaments depends on the large band of Australians who play each year. “Without the Australians, the New Zealand tournaments would be very dull affairs. “So much so that, even at

this late date, I expect the New Zealand Open to be switched to a later date where it will have no opposition from Australian events.” “Last year, in spite of representations, the New Zealand Open clashed with our North Coast Open, which, in consequence, was left with a very depleted field. “A similar clash of dates for these two fixtures has occured again but this time the Australian P.G.A. has intervened and barred Australian professionals, under penalty of fines, from passing up the North Coast Open in favour of the New Zealand Open. “For some years now, Australian officials, headed by Peter Thomson, have sought to bring about a balanced ) schedule of tournaments,” I wrote Wilson.

“Briefly. Australian officials hope to extend the Australian circuit to the end of December, catering for several prospective sponsors who so far have been unable to obtain a tournament date. “The New Zealand tournament season could then be played from January to the end of February each year, instead of the present Novem-ber-December dates,” he wrote.