Strong field for 54-hole golf

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32565, 26 March 1971, Page 24

Strong field for 54-hole golf

One of the strongest fields to contest a Canterbury fixture will start in the provincial 54-hole women’s stroke-play golf championship at Waitikiri next week.

There are 10 players with handicaps of five or better, 20 in single figures, and almost without exception, the best women players in the province are taking part in a tournament which must be of especial significance in the choice of this year’s Russell Grace tournament team.

Heading the field are last year’s winner, Miss C. Sullivan, and the national titleholder, Mrs N. D. Cullen, both of them on handicaps of one. A winner two years ago, Miss M. Ensor, is competing, this being her first

major tournament for some time.

On two is Miss S. Hamilton, formerly of Otago, and one of the country’s most promising young players. Mrs B. Clinton, Mrs R. F. Lafferty, Miss M. Doherty and Miss W. Bryant are all fourhandicap players; those on five are Mrs L. Lamberton and Mrs F. Lewis. The Waitikiri club champion, Miss P. McDonald is on six. Others who may be expected to put pressure on the top players are Mrs W. Simpson, Miss W. Morgan and Mrs H. Drinnan (seven), Mesdames E. N. Smith, R. Newton (eight), Mesdames W. Head, W. A. Goss, R. B. Anderson and Miss J. Lewis (nine).

Last year. Miss Sullivan was ahead of Mrs Cullen and Miss J. Hanratty, of Wellington. Miss Hanratty is not playing this time. Only two strong contenders for the provincial team are not able to take part Misses S. Boag and J. Davidson.

Two rounds will be played at Waitikiri on Tuesday, and the final round on Wednesday morning. The Russell Grace tournament will be held at The Grange, Auckland, from May 4 to 6.