GOLF

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 51, 28 August 1926, Page 22

GOLF

My "Cmimnot"

THE DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIPS

RESTRICTED ENTRIES

SHAW IN FORM AGAIN.

There seems every probability of tha visit of a strong- team of Australian!' for the Dominion championship in. October, aiid they will most likely visit one or two earlier tournaments, possibly Wanganui, if time permits. Thii' will give an added interest to the struggle for the Dominion title, and, by r adding to the number of low handicap men; will probably squeeze out of the tail, of the entries handicaps 'whicJ* have formerly been accepted. Limit* ing the entries to 72, as has been de». cided, is well justified, because, no matter how well a player may perform, in the qualifying round, the test of tournament play leaves only the. tested best in the final struggle, and it is surprising how often the same men fight' it out. The inclusion of the, Australians will probably lead to at least some new blood in |he semi-finals.

The choice of dates has left the weather very much in doubt. It is too closely following on the equinoxes for the possibility of perfectly calm days, and when it blows Miramar gets it all. Wind is certain to weed out some, of ■ even ■ the best players from other courses, who are used to wide fairways. The committee: has done all it can to assist strangers by cutting out or thining down the rough at certain calamitous spots.

• Entries, which close on Ist October, must be made through club secretaries, and for the Open and Amateur must include certificates. Those with the lowest national handicap will have preference, and, if necessary, last places will be drawn by lot. The rules of the Eoyal' and Ancient Club of - St. Andrews, except as varied by the local rules of the Miramar Club, shall apply. The right to rohandicap any competitor in handicap events prior to starting out is reserved by the committee. The time-table and programme is as follows:— ■ "...'■

Friday, 15 th October.—Morning: Open championship—-Ist. round, and concurrently, first qualifying round of amateur and professional championships. Afternoon: Open championship —2nd round, and concurrently second qualifying round of amateur and professional championships. Saturday, 16th October —Morning: Open championship —3rd round, and' concurrently third qualifying round of amateur and 'piO' fessional championships. Afternoon: Open championship—4th .round, and concurrently fourth qualifying round of amateur . and professional ..championships, and the O'Rorke Vase (interclub) teams match. Monday, 18th"October —Morning and' Afternoon: . Professionals' championship, Ist round,;, 36 holes. Amateur .championship, Ist round, 36 holes; playfoff; also first bogey handicap; Tuesday, a 19th October—looming and Afternoon: Professionals'* championship, semi-final,! 36 holes; amateur championship, 2nd round, 36 holes; play-off; ■ also' first stroke handicap. Wednesday, 20th October —Morning and Afternoon: Professionals' handicap match, 36 holesj h stroke play; amateur championship,' third round, 36 holes; play-off; second bogey handicap for amateurs. Thursday, 21st October—Second stroke handicap for amateurs; driving competition. Friday, 22nd October—Morning and Afternoon: Final professionals' championship, 36 holes; semi-finals, amateur championship, 36 holes; also four-ball best ball handicap for amateur. Saturday, 23rd October —Final of amateur championship, 36 holes. ""_*'" Miramar's New Professional. >-■■ Hearty congratulations to Keg. Butters, the local professional, who has been selected by Miramar from a large number of applicants throughout the Dominion (says the Wanganui "Herald"). In appointing Butters, the Wellington club have recognised the Wanganui man-at his genuine worth, and have undoubtedly made a wise selection. Formerly at bnirley, Butters later migrated to this.city, where-lie accepted an appointment at ■ BolmontJ where he remained some considerable time. After severing his connection with the Wanganui club "Reg." opened a golf school in Karle's Buildings, Victoria avenue, which he is successfully controlling at the present time. During the past two years this school has been the Mecca of golfers, young and old, but particularly of our promising young golfers, who have correctly learned to swing a club at the hands of this experienced mentor. The country clubs also have appreciated Butters's capable tuition, and his visits to clubs up and down the coast have been, frequent. A good fellow, an excellent coach, and a splendid golfer, Wanganui will find it difficult to replace him. - In fact it is safe to say that we are losing one of the most capable players, and one of tho best coaches. in New Zealand. Being a thorough enthusiast in 'his work, and painstaking in his tuition, his. services will bo eagerly sought after by players in the Empire City. .The local golfing fraternity will sincerely regret Reg. Butters's departure from our midst,.but will indeed be pleased to know that his promotion to the Miramar Club, practically represents the highest appointment of its kind in- the Dominie:l.. * -i* "-.'■'.

Shaw's recent operation, and the consequent spell from golf for a while, seem to have improved his game, if anything. At Miramar on Saturday i« was hitting them down the middle and as far as ever, on the long third* in two, the second an iron; and down'in four, and green high but a trifle to the right at the fifth, where he got a perfect three. His mashie play, but to the practice ho got in at the short game while healing up, is improved out' of ■sight, and last, but not least, he ..was putting well. Shaw's style from* the tee is. a delight. An unhurried back swing, perfect balance and stance, and a gradually accelerating hit through tlit ball, a whizzing swish with the clean, crisp smash as the ball leaves tho centre of. tho club. ......

Tho sixth tee at Miramar has been moved, end now a high tee, like, ,tho mov"l on a rifle range, has been planted in'tho middle of a big clump of'lupins. It gives a less enviable lio^'to the duffed tee shot, as all tho grpunjl between it and the bunker guarding the green is rough, but it gives a clear view of tho foot of tho pin, and. allows' the distance to bo much better judged.

Tho tenth tee at Miramar" has buen lowered, so as to give a better shot into a northerly wind. The bunker between tho ninth and tenth fairways has been stiffened up. Bunkers arc also to'bo placed in suitable positions on several holes of tho last nine, and it will he a stiff course confronting visitors in October. They will, on the other hand, have better fairways than at Shirley or Middlemorc during uho two previous championship meetings. The fairways are as good now as tho others were at the championships, and there is over a month of attention to be yet bestowed on them, for which purpose the mow* ing plant has been thoroughly ovw» hauled.