KIRKWOOD AND HAGEN

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 55, 13 September 1928, Page 11

KIRKWOOD AND HAGEN

Australian Press Association. (Received 13th September, 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, 11th September. Kirkwood, interviewed by the Australian Press Association, vigorously denied rumours that there were personal differences between him and Hagen. He pointed out that they were travelling . companions for years, and played together in many exhibitions and tournaments. There was never the slightest indication of ill-feeling on either side. He expressed the opinion in connection with Hagen'a trip to Australia that Hagen was yet undecided, despite tho announcement of his intention to sail on 20th October. Kirkwood said that he had been trying for more than a year to persuade Hagen to join him to go to Australia, and recently offered tho champion 10,000 dollars to make the trip, owing to Kirkwood's palpable enthusiasm for Hagen, whom he declared to be the "biggest drawing-card in tho game." He stated that Hagen would be the greatest single influence for the promotion of interest in golf in Australia by virtue of his incomparable golf and engaging personality. He advised that in the event of Hagen ultimately deciding to make the Australian trip ho would, doubtless, play a few more matches in Honolulu, where Kirkwood has already mailo arrangements to appear singly. Kirkwood plans to return to the United States early in January.