KIRKWOOD AND SARAZEN

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 131, 30 November 1933, Page 20

KIRKWOOD AND SARAZEN

VICTORIA'S ATTITUDE

Judging from an article by Hector Morrison in the "Daily Telegraph," interstate pride may affect the returns to Kirkwood and Sarazen from their Australian trip.

"Owing to Victoria practically throwing a spanner into the works, an awkward situation has arisen over the visit in February," he, writes. "Both famous players are keen to make- the trip, and the dat 6of their arrival was selected by them, because it is during tho 'off' season in big golf over the other side. As far as can be ascertained, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmanian clubs are anxious for the stars to appear. Victoria, however, has suggested that Kirkwood. and Sarazen should postpone their visit until November to coincide with "the'.Melbourno centenary celebrations. In fact, it has been hinted that should the pair come'along in February Victorian clubs would 'not mako their courses available for tho visitors' exhibition matches. It is contended that the leading Melbourne clubs, in anticipation of the visit of a number of overseas stars attracted by a proposed richly-endowed Victorian "championship event, intend to donate big cash prizes for events on their courses prior to and after tho championship. "The opinion has been expressed in the southern State that the clubs would not feel disposed, in view of their centenary plans, to put their hands in their pockets to see Sarazen in action earlier in the year. Five thousand pounds has frequently been mentioned as the ultimate amount with which the Victorian centenary championship will be endowed. So far, it transpires, not even £2000 is definitely in sight. The centenary proposals seem so much in the air that it appears to be more in the interests of Australian golf to make sure of the bird in the hand rather than count on the problematic flock of birds in the centenary bush. •

"Of course, if Kirkwood and Sarazen. agree to postpone their visit Until later in. the year, all will be well. But it is scarcely likely that they will forgo the many big' golf events on the other side to chase somewhat nebulous big purses here. • As Kirkwood and Sarazen propose to appear at clubs throughout Australia for a 5s gate, there does not seem to be any reason why they should not make their tour as*suggested, without in any way detracting from Melbourne's centenary plans."

Local arrangements, it is understood, have- not yet been finalised, but it is evident that the whole trip is not looked upon entirely as a moneymaking one by the visitors. Kirkwood, at least, knows both these countries well enough not to have exaggerated ideas of the probable value of the "gates." Certainly, tho prices hinted at in Australia would be more likely to prove popular here than, anything higher in these times.