LOW 60s PREDICTED TO WIN B.P. GOLF

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31231, 1 December 1966, Page 19

LOW 60s PREDICTED TO WIN B.P. GOLF

(Aeip Zealand Press Association!

AUCKLAND.

After the low scoring in the first three tournaments of the New Zealand professional golf circuit, the predictions are that the Titirangi course will get a hammering when the B.P. £2OOO tournament begins there today.

Titirangi has a par of 72 and under the conditions which are promised par golf will not be enough to win.

Last Monday the Dutchman, A. van Pinxten, in some early pre-toumament practice, scored a brilliant eight-under 64, including eight birdies.

Last week a local amateur, G. Hughes, who is not among the top flight of Auckland amateurs, scored a 65. Yesterday, J. J. Sullivan, the South Australian professional, scored a 65. Sullivan missed the first three tournaments of the New Zealand circuit because of business ties. But he is in such good form that he played Titirangi seven-under-par a few hours after arriving from Australia. The last man really to tame Titirangi course under tough tournament conditions was the Australian, E. W. Dunk, who scored 272, 16 under par and including a course record .of 64, when he won this tournament two years ago. Last year. K. D. G. Nagle and P. W. Thomson tied on 278, 10 under. The experts are predicting a winning total fairly close to that scored by Nagle and Thomson. The fairways were hard and i fast yesterday and the long-

hitters are fancied to score well on the three fives in the home half—463, 472 and 481 yards. The first, 317 yards, and second, 319 yards, are also well within birdie range for the top players. It is hoped R. J. Charles will play up to his reputation, at Titirangi. Charles has seldom scored consistently well on this course—he was seventh last year on 283. In contrast, Nagle and Thomson invariably play Titirangi well—ever since the greens were improved several years ago—and the young Australian star, T. J. Woolbank, co-winner of the Wills event at Russley, must also be among the favourites.

This tournament might also give W. J. Godfrey, the Auckland professional, a chance to finish higher up in the moneylist. Godfrey played most of his early golf on Titirangi and he could improve on his eighth place last year.