GOLF IN IRELAND

Evening Star, Issue 19840, 13 April 1928, Page 14

GOLF IN IRELAND

GOVERNOR-GENERAL CLAIMS ITS INTRODUCTION SIR CHARLES IN LIGHT MOOD [Special to the ‘ Stab.’] AUCKLAND, April 12. While in reminiscent mood at the presentation of trophies in the grounds of the Auckland Golf Club yesterday afternoon, the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) said he would tell the golfers something they did not know.

Prefacing his remarks with a reference to the golfing proclivities of Scotsmen, His Excellency said that he was one of a quartet who introduced Die game in Ireland. One of the players was the present Earl-Balfour, who was then Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and two others were officers of His Excellency’s regiment. “They were experts; I was not,” added Sir Charles, “ but we played in Phoenix Park, Dublin, and that was the first golf seen iu Ireland.” His Excellency caused further smiles by remarking that although he had seen many matches, lie himself had not played since. When 1 presented your trophies three years ago I said that in coming to New Zealand there were two branches of sport in which X hoped to excel,” added His Excellency when handing to players the prizes won in tlio championship golf tournament. The Governor-General added that one of those branches of sport was yachting and the other golf. “My success has been phenomenal,” added His Excellency amidst laughter. “I have twice figured in the cockpit of the yacht Ariki when she has been racing, and the present is my third visit to a golf course to present the prizes.”