Spain seeks double

Press, 9 December 1983, Page 34

Spain seeks double

NZPA-Reuter Jakarta Manuel Pinero and Jose Canizares of Spain may have had two of golf’s greatest names in the back of their minds when they began the defence of their title in the 30th World Cup golf championship at Pondok Indah, Indonesia, today.

Not since Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus were successful for the United States in 1966 and 1967, after achieving the same double in 1963 and 1964, have the same two players won the crown for their country in successive years.

But Pinero and Canizares, who opened a 10-stroke lead after three rounds at Acapulco, Mexico, last year before holding off a final round charge by the United States to win by three shots, are favourites to hold their title.

The 30th World Cup has attracted two-man teams from 32 countries, including New Zealand. At stake are two titles, the World Cup for the winning team and the International Trophy for the best individual performance. The 6335-metre par 72 course, designed by Robert

Trent Jones, has already been described by participants as among the best in the world.

The main opposition to the Spaniards should again come from the United States, represented by Rex Caldwell and John Cook, sixth and 17th respectively this year on the United States professional rankings. Pinero, who is playing in his sixth World Cup, has had a share of two previous titles for Spain, the most successful country in recent World Cups with three victories in the last six years.