Strong field for N.Z. Open

Press, 23 November 1976, Page 40

Strong field for N.Z. Open

PA Wellington All top 10 money-winners of last summer’s New Zealand. golf circuit have entered ■,for > the sixtieth New Zealand Open championship at-Heretaunga from December 2-5. > .

Heading die list is the blond American, Billy Brask, who pocketed $15,894 last time after victories in the inaugural New Zealand Airlines and Southland Charity classics, and second in the open and New Zealand P.G.A. championships. The second money-winner was John Lister, of New Zealand, with $10,552, followed by Brian Jones (Australia), Hal Underwood (United States), the Open winner,

Bill Duijk (Australia), Teter Thomson (Australia), Bob Clark (United States),, and three more Australians,-.Noel Ratchliffe, Stewart Ginn and David Good. / A’ day before the closing day for entries the Open had attracted 136 players, 117 professionals and 19 amateurs. The secretary of the New Zealand Golf Association (Mr David Sutton) said he expected further late entries right up till two days before the event.

With about 80 players likely to qualify automatically and the field restricted to a.maximum of 126, a special pre-qualifying round will be. played at Heretaunga on November 30.

Dunk, twice a winner of the Open, has not been up to fiis best in recent Australian events but on his day is probably the most brilliant ’performer' in the field. Much interest will focus on the 25-year-old New Zeatender, Simon Owen, who superbly overcame a barren spell to finish second .in the $150,000 Colgate Classic in Melbourne recently. Another top entry in Bill Longmiiir (England) who had his most important victory two weeks ago when he captured the first prize in the $20,000 Southland event. Thomson has won the Open an incredible nine times between 1950 and 1971, and another entry, Kel Nagle, has won on seven

occasions between 1957 and 1969.

Although the prize money has been stepped up to $25,000, it still falls $lO,OOO short of that offered for the Airlines Classic in Christchurch. In spite of that, .the Open carries greater prestige. Victory in it even ensures automatic exemptions into some of the world’s best tournaments.

The course at Heretaunga will be a new combination of the Wellington Club’s best holes, with a length of 6452 metres. (7056 yards) and a stiff par of 73.

The Open is being cosponsored by the national association and B.P. (N.Z.), Ltd.