Competition is keen for women’s title

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33520, 29 April 1974, Page 24

Competition is keen for women’s title

("The Prcjj’’ Special Service) I WHANGAREI. The Mount Ilenhy course is in good playing order, considering the difficulties created by the drought this summer, for the start of the twenty-sixth women’s inter-provincial golf tournament for the Russell Grace trophy today.

The tree-lined fairways j will fully extend the recovery powers of players who! stray off the course, and the very fast, sloping greens, wifi make putting an interesting exercise. RESTRICTED PLAY Only teams which finished in the bottom six at the 1973 tournament will be in action todav — South Canterbury ■ v. Southland; Taranaki v. Nelson-West Coas' -.Mari-( borough; Wellington v. Otago.

Competition should be keen as many of the previously weaker team-, have been strengthened by the inclusion of promising young players who can be expected to assist the more seasoned golfers from their areas. Nevertheless, the leading provinces last year should again figure prominently. The title-holder. Waikato-King Country, will be led by Mrs B. G. Middleton, and although its playing order has been altered, Mrs A. Pickup is the only new member of the team.

FEW CHANGES There has been onlv one change in each of the other three top teams in last year’s tournament — Auckland, Manawatu-Wanganui and Canterbury. The most dramatic change tn personnel is in the Wellington side which, although it is among the weaker teams i.l the draw because of last sear’s performance, must be highly rated. Wellington has gained the international. Miss F. Pere. who will play at No. 1, and Miss H. Booth, a former New Zealand representative making a return to tournament play, who will fill the second position.

S-uth Canterbury is among the teams capable of causing major surprises. Miss S. A Ritcnie will lead the challenge with Mrs A. J. Knighi at two and the present rational junior champion Miss R White, at three. Together with the experienced players. Misses B. A Taylor and M. M. Mac Kay South Canterbury has a formidable combination. Northland. on its home course, anc T names Valley-Bay of Plenty

(led by Miss U. K. Wickham, are other teams to be reI spected. The Canterbury team used the practice round yesterday to learn the course. Only Miss B. S. Boag and Mrs N. D. Cullen have previously played there.