GREAT PROSPECT FOR YOUNG GOLFERS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31221, 19 November 1966, Page 11

GREAT PROSPECT FOR YOUNG GOLFERS

(By

M. S. WOLVERIDGE)

rpHERE were divergent - L features of the most recent two tournaments of the Australian golf circuit The Australian Open in Brisbane was dominated by A. Palmer and the sunshine; the Dunlop International in Sydney by R. J. Stanton and the worst winds I have played in anywhere in the world.

The television announcer who gave the news headlines during the Open began, reasonably enough, I thought, with “the American golfer, Arnold Palmer, was in fine form with a seven-under-par 67 today,” and then added something about China and President Johnson’s adventures. But I find myself reflecting more on the astounding journey that young Stanton took before reaching his highest pinnacle of achievement. He started at the beginning: a young assistant professional who ate and drank golf and, when he started to play, had his eyes on the touring professionals to the exclusion of all else. Two years ago, he caddied for me in Sydney and asked a thousand questions about America, Arnold Palmer, and what happens out there. Now he can tell me: the world is at his feet. This is what happens when you win everything in sight against all-comers in your home state; make a trip to Britain; play on the Continent and win the Ger-

man Open; go to America and finish second in the tensely-fought P.G.A. school in Florida; and fly home to beat Arnold Palmer in a play-off for the Dunlop International. I have little doubt that Stanton will join the group of the world’s best golfers managed by Mark McCormack. After the tournament, I had a chat with G. R. Player, who, incidentally, is keen to come to New Zealand to play again and redeem the image which still suffers from his 1958 tour as a boy. R. J. Charles should challenge him next year and New Zealanders may have an opportunity to watch the best striker of a golf ball playing today, and to meet a rather wonderful fellow.

Returning to the Australian open: apart from the favourites, it belonged to a young New Zealander, the 24-year-old B. T. Boys, from Hamilton, who played splendidly. He has been playing professionally for a very short time but has tremendous confidence in himself.

is strong and completely captivated by the life he has led over the last five months. He had a wonderful tournament and was paired with Palmer in the third round. Naturally he is looking forward to returning to New Zealand but he also wishes to play around the world. There is a terrific opportunity in Australasia for the young golf professional to try himself out without getting hurt too badly. If he still likes it and can win enough, then the Far East, Britain and the Continent are but (hours away. The two other young New Zealanders, D. Clark and R. McDonald, will have to polish their games before depending on golf aa a livelihood.. D. R. Hope, the Christchurch amateur, has shown an impressive attitude to his misfortunes and has been able to compare his game with that of some of the world’s best players. One day the New Zealand Golf Foundation will no doubt be very pleased to call upon Hope’s services for duty in international

matches. With the New Zealand circuit to come and a year of practice ahead. Hope could be ready for the 1968 Eisenhower Trophy matches which will be played at the best course in Australia, the Rcyal Melbourne.