BRITISH OPEN

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31728, 11 July 1968, Page 18

BRITISH OPEN

Charles Has - Par 72 (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright}. CARNOUSTIE. The New Zealander, R. J. Charles, scored a par 72 yesterday in the first round of the 1968 British Open golf championship. Charles, winner of the title in 1963, had three one-overs in the first four holes hut recovered to be out in 37. one over. He did the last nine in a fine 35 (one under) on the testing Carnoustie links. Charles said later that poor putting had cost him a better score. He said he had played only three bad shots in his round —a seven iron on the fourth which resulted in a one-over, a drive on the fifteenth, where he recovered well for a par. and another bad drive which found a trap on the sixteenth. Charles had a 30-foot putt on the sixteenth for his par, but the ball lipped the edge of the cup and stayed out. The New Zealander was among the early starters and was two strokes behind the British amateur champion, M. J Bonallack, who had 35 both ways, to card a twb-under 70. British players were making a strong showing among the early starters. B. Barnes, after scoring birdies at the first three holes, came in with a 70 to share the lead with Bonallack, while P. Allis had a 71.

On their heels was T. Jacklin, rated Britain’s main hope, who was out in only 33—the same score as Barnes for nine holes. One of the favoured Americans, D. Sanders, was well down the list on 78.