CHALLENGE TO U.S. GOLF

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31653, 13 April 1968, Page 15

CHALLENGE TO U.S. GOLF

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright)

AUGUSTA.

Three overseas players—T. Jacklin (Britain), B. Devlin (Australia) and R. de Vicenzo (Argentina)—yesterday challenged American supremacy in the United States Masters golf championship.

They were only one stroke behind W. Casper, the firstround leader, who shot a four under par 68 over the 6980yard Augusta course. Also one stroke behind Casper were the Americans, J. Nicklaus, the favourite, and T. Aaron.

R. Goalby was on 70 with his fellow Americans, J. Pittman and K. Zarley. A. Palmer (United States) and G. Player (South Africa) both scored 72, while the New Zealander, R. J. Charles, was on 75. The 23-year-old Jacklin made golf history nearly three weeks ago when he won the Jacksonville event and became the first Briton to win a major American tournament since Ted Ray in 1920. But while Casper and Jacklin, who played the first round together, were able to stop their approach shots on the wet greens, the situation was likely to change today because of warm sunshine and no rain.

Devlin said his first round was the “best I’ve played this year. I haven’t made too many appearances on the tour. I’ve been in Florida working on my game.”