HOPE RETURNS; IN TOURNAMENT

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33106, 22 December 1972, Page 20

HOPE RETURNS; IN TOURNAMENT

D. R. Hope, a prominent name in Canterbury golf three years ago, will tread familiar territory when he competes in the Christchurch club’s annual Christmas tournament at the week-end.

In 1969 Hope, a former Canterbury amateur champion and member of the Freyberg Rose Bowl team, left for a working holiday overseas.

The Christchurch club player had represented Canterbury at the rose bowl tournament since 1965, and was on the fringe of winning New Zealand selection. Hope has had very little preparation for the tournament — arriving from Wellington today — but his appearance alone will arouse considerable interest. Apart from the Canterbury captain, B. C. Taylor, and two other members of the Freyberg team — G. L. Titmus and J. F. Logie — the event has attracted a top-class field. The holder, D. R. Griffith, will defend his title but, to retain it, would have to improve on his recent showings. HOME COURSE W. I. Tucker, second last year, A. W. Robinson, and G. C. Saunders have the advantageof playing on their home course and must be strong contenders. A regular visitor from Otago, R. D. Kearns, is a welcome entry, and South Canterbury’ will be represented by G. L. Maw and J. S. Barbour. G. Urlwin and L. P. Martin wil have their last outing before attending the national coaching school in Wellington next week. Their performances and the form of three young players —F. J. Poskit. E. W. Henning, and J. W. Prebble — will be fallowed closely.