R. C. Murray favourite for stroke title

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32838, 11 February 1972, Page 20

R. C. Murray favourite for stroke title

On his known ability, outstanding record, and form on the course, R. C. Murray will start the Canterbury stroke championship at Waitikiri on Saturday as favourite for his fifth title.

One of four past winners to enter — the others are B. C. Taylor, J. F. Logie and J. R. Broadhurst — Murray will undoubtedly be looking for a less strenuous path than he had in winning the title last year. The 72 holes last year were played in two days of oppressive heat R. H. A- Bradley went into the final round with a five-stroke lead, and Murray had to card a final round of 68 to win the title —after a play-off—and equal the course record. Murray’s task will not be easy. There is a heavy entry of Canterbury’s leading players, including two from the host club, Bradley and D. R. Griffith, and another Waitikiri player, J. F. Hardie, who matched Murray’s 68 last year. MAJOR OPPOSITION His major opposition, however, could come from the big-hitting Hororata farmer, E. H. Richards, who strangely has only one Canterbury title, and that the match-play, to his credit. He was second to Murray in the Templeton Summer

Open recently, when the professional, D. Clark, was moved to praise Richards’s ability with woods. But there is a fine touch to his play at present as well, and Richards’s two wins against Mid and South Can--1 terbury recently are proof that his intention of regaining his Freyberg Rose Bowl tournament place is not with- . out foundationCanterbury’s top two players last season, Taylor and Bradley, will be formidable opposition for the more seasoned Murray and Rich-, ards, however. They were . third and second last year—and this is about the time of ( year that they will be stepping up their challenges for . Rose Bowl tournament places

Logie, G. L. Titmus, and Griffith are the others in this category; T. M. Stout is always a reliable performer, though probably better in match-play; and there will be interest in M. W. Small. A year ago. he had a very inconsistent tournament —78, 69, 79, 71—but finished fifth.