GOLF NOTES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 2482, 24 May 1909, Page 5

GOLF NOTES.

By Bunker.

Local enthusiasts had the pleasure during the past couple of days in participating in matches on the local links with three of the Dominion’s finest golfers, viz., MesSrs H. C. Smith (N.Z. Champion), Basil Smith, and B. j. Smith. These gentlemen arrived at Alexandra on Friday evening, and played on the links there the following day. The three visitors played superb golf, but they were very much at sea on the greens—bare patches they should be called. The three brothers were at once warm favorites, their unassuming manners and their willingness to give the benefit of their knowledge to others, being very pleasing. It was therefore not surprising that the Alexandra Club decided to present these gentlemen with mementos of their visit. These took the form of handsome gold pendant nuggets, and they were presented by Mr Murray at a social evening. In making the presentation Mr Murray assured the visitors that the Alexandra Club would be only too pleased to have another visit from them at as early a date as possible. Mr Jim O’Kane won the stroke match at Alexandra with a net score of 82.

On Monday the champions came on to Clyde, a number of the Alexandra players accompanying them. The weather was ideal for golf, and an enjoyable days play resulted. The morning was devoted to an 18 hole bogey match, the winner turning up in Mr H. E. Stevens (1 up), with Mr Basil Smith and Mr B. J. Smith (all square) equal second. In the afternoon a medal match of 18 holes was played, the champion Mr Hamilton Smith (go) being the winner, with Mr Basil Smith (91) second.

In the evening the visitors were entertained at a smoke concert in the Dunstan Hotel when a most enjoyable evening was spent. The visit of the Messrs Smith Brothers should give a big impetus to local golf, and 1 confidently look forward to see a big improvement in the standard of play locally as a result of the, visit. The three brothers left by this (Tuesday) morning’s train for Dunedin. They assured me that they had enjoyed their visit immensely, and only regretted that they could not prolong their stay. “You have treated us like kings,” said Mr Basil Smith in parting, “ and you can be sure we will pay you another visit as soon as possible.’