MASTERS GOLF

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32266, 8 April 1970, Page 17

MASTERS GOLF

Nicklaus Is Favourite (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Cope'' AUGUSTA The long-hitting, J. Nick laus is favourite to win th--1970 United States Maste'd golf tournament, which wii’ begin on Thursday. The tournament, to b» played over the Augusta National course, carries $200,000 in prize money. 1 The instalment of Nicklaus by Las Vegas bookmakers as | a 4:1 favourite comes as no surprise, although his name has been missing from the top 10 money-winners on the present tour. Nicklaus hits a long, high ball, the type of shot demanded on the lengthy and very hilly fairways of the 6980-yard, par-72 course. J He is expected to play the big. rolling, fast greens well, and can withstand the mounting pressure through four days of Masters play. And he is in form, having won twice and finished second twice in eight tournaments he has played since September. Nicklaus’s stiffest competition is likely to come from another long hitter. T. Weiskophe. and the seasoned Masters golfers such as A. Palmer. W. Casper and F. Beard. Among the overseas entries given a fair chance are G. Player, De Vicenzo, A. Jacklin and B. Devlin. .Tacklin and Devlin are on the 1970 top 10 money-winning list.