GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 230, 23 June 1921, Page 5

GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

GOOD PLAY BY KIRKWOOD SECOND FAVOURITE TO MITCHELL By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, June 21. Golf critics agree that the present is the most open and interesting championship, owing to its international character and tho evenness of the topnotchers. The American representation numbers nineteen, the most formidable being Hutchinson and Hagen, professionals, and Evans and Jones, amateurs. Franca and Spain are represented. To-day n field of 160 played the first of two qualifying rounds, half over the old course, over which the championship proper will be decided on Thursday end Friday, and others over the Eden course. Kirkwood scored the best round of the day on the Eden course, taking 39 out, with four 4’s, four s'fl, one 3; He made a brilliant homeward journey, with one 5, five 4’s, and three 3’s, making 34, and a total of 73. There were fresh, changeable winds, and the courses were fast and dry. On the outward journey, Kirkwood found bunkers near the greens three times, but recovered splendidly, and twice laid the ball from the bunker dead. Since his arrival in Scotland he is a strong favourite with the spectators, owing to his ancestors hailing from Inverness. East also played on the Eden course, taking 40 out and 43 home. He is confident of improving when he plays on the old course. He must then obtain 80 to qualify, because more than 80 plnyers had rounds of 81 and better today. '

Kirkwood and East will go direct to France from Scotland, to play in the French championship at Le Toque(. After that they embark at Cherbourg for America, nnd after the American championship are going to Canada.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

HUTCHINSON TRADING: KIRKWOOD IN SECOND PLACE. London, Juno 21.

The aggregates in the qualifying rounds are, so far, Hutchinson 146. Kirkwood 149, Holland and Havers each 150, Mitchell and Bobby Jones each 152.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

KIRKWOOD AND EAST DO WELL IN SECOND ROUND. (Rec. June 22, 11.20 p.m.) London, June 21.

In the second qualifying round on the old course, played in tine weather, with a light wind, both Kirkwood and East did well, East having the best round to date. East’s score was: Outwards—4, 4, 5,5, 4,5, 5,3, 4; inwards—4, 4, 5> 4, 3,’ 4,4, 4; total, 75. Kirkwood’s score was: Outwards —5,4, 5,5, 4,5, 4,3, 5; inwards—s, 3,4, 5,4, 4,3, 4,4; total, 76. Kirkwood’s play was somewhat patchy going out. He bad three putts on two greens, and found potholes twice. On the homeward journey he did better, and holed from five yards at. the sixteenth. Kirkwood, with 149 for the two rounds, is sure to qualify. Additional qualifying aggregates: Harry Vardon, 147; Barnes (America), 148; Harry Duncan, 151; Dr. Hunter, 153; Wethered and Massy, each 155; Hagen, 157; East, 158. East will probably qualify. Kirkwood is still attracting a large crowd when playing. He is second favourite to Mitchell—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

KIRKWOOD AND TONES DEFEAT HAGEN AND HUNTER. (Rec. June 23, 0.10 a.m.) London, June 21. Kirkwood, in the afternoon,. partnered Bobby Jones, the American boy, against Hagen and Hunter (Americans), the former pair winning by three up to play. Kirkwood went round in 73. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.