Golfers and Their Game NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRIES

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 78, 29 September 1934, Page 22

Golfers and Their Game

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRIES

There is a very strong field for the New Zealand amateur championship at the national mooting at Bclmont on October 5; indeed, there are many more first-rate amateur golfers taking part than in any previous mooting, including a group of brilliant youngsters. It is becoming increasingly difficult to separate those who arc hovering on the fringe of front-rank standard from the possiblo champions. B. V. Wright (Ota'go) is prevented by indisposition from taking part. This is regrettable, as he was in lino form preceding his illness. But there aro other former amateur championships of recent years in T. 11. Horton (Masterton), 1025 and 1928; Harm Wagg (Hutt), 1931 and 1932; and 11. A. Black (Miramar), 1930, who will each have something to say in determining the title; while J. L. Black, a runner-up and one of the steadiest of match players, is also on tho cards. Others who have fought their way into big events and will have to bo reckoned with are J. P. Hornabrook (Masterton), B. M. Silk (Wanganui), and H. D. Brinsdcn (xVuckland). Silk, after a patch of bad form following a brilliant run during which lie established a Miramar record, may strike his best gait this year in the big event, in which ease lie will bo hard to beat, but he will have to play superlative golf if Hornabrook repeats his recent Masterton form. These two are favourites for the event with many. A competitor who must, not be overlooked is L. Cathro (Castlcelift'), who knows Bclmont as well aa his own course. L. T. Quiu (Eltham), who.won the title at Middlemore in 1924, is also a competitor, but whether ho and K. Boss (Otago), and A. G. Sime (Westport), champion in 1921. and J. Goss (Wanganui), champion in 1923, -can stand tho invasion of youth is problematical. Amongst tho older players ono who has never come into his full rights is D. C. Collins tMastcrton). This may be his year. A. B. Barns-Graham (Gisborne) is a stylist who produced fine golf in this event at Auckland lnst year, a match player of the best. If M. R. Moore (Titahi) is at his best, and ho has been playing very steady stuff lately, ho should be included amongst front rankers who liavo had much more experience of big golf. Tho same may be said of L. Soifcrt (Miramar), W. G. Homo (Hutt), and P. G. Whitcombe (Wellington). Passing to those- whose match play is good enough to possibly upset any of the leaders not at thoir best in tho early rounds, there are W. G. Fisher (Hutt), J. P. Mortland (Taihape), F. W. Huggins (Nelson), Kapi Tareha (Napier), W. O'Callaghan (Wanganui), H. E. Troutbeck (Christchurch), F. 0. Fryer (Napier), A. B. Ekatedt (Manawatu), lan MacEwan (Auckland), and A. H. Warren (Masterton). A notable absentee is A. D. S. Duncan, ten times former champion, who is at present in England. It will be seen that the possibilities in the amateur championship this year sire limitless, and it must not bo forgotten that the course has been stiffened considerably. Only the best of golf will win. the title.

Auckland amateur players are not very strongly represented numerically, while' there are some Christehurch absentees.

A STEONG YOUTHFUL FIELD

tised in his father's garage at Dulwieh until it was time to go to bed. This has gone on for years, and in the end he has perfected a grooved,swing that, so far as a golf swing can be, is automatic. Jones's slogan is, "Wait for it," the meaning of which is that from tho top of the swing there should bo no hurry to hit. Wait until the hands arc about level with tho hips, and then "let go." With Jones, as with Cotton, there is tho admonition to hang on for dear life with the left hand, especially at tho top and as the down swing is begun. Once you let go, even if it is ever so little, there is the danger that tho shot will be ruined. Cotton's new putting style, which has proved eminently successful, is a mixture of the methods- adopted by llagen and Dicgel. The ball is played off tho left toe, while tho left elbow is pointing directly at the hole. In contradistinction to the Diegel method, tho right elbow is kept close into the side. Tho feature of Cotton's delivery is the keeping of tho clubhoad closo to tho ground both in the back and forward swing. There is no" break in tho wrists, ' the movement itself boing rather in the nature of a push, though actually, of course, it is a perfectly genuine stroke. I must now strike a personal note. In tho attitude ho has adopted, ono really of splendid isolation, Cotton has met with a good deal of prejudice, and has earned unpopularity both with his brother professionals and with certain sections of the public. "Why" can't he be ono of us?" has been the cry of the ignorant and the ill-informed —the men who imagine that success is gained by standing at the clubhouse bar. Cotton, having deliberately chosen a line of aetioju has never deviated from it, however unpleasant it must have been, believing that tho plan ho has mapped out for himself is tho only way to success. In the case of an impressionable young man, it has required a good deal of courage- to keep going when faced with sneers and jeers. It is pleasant to be able to record tiiat, in tho main, -his brother professionals have now come to recognise his aim in life, and instead of turning up their noses they are in open admiration of his tenacity. He is at last being understood.