KIRKWOOD IN ENGLAND.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLII, Issue 1808, 5 May 1921, Page 8

KIRKWOOD IN ENGLAND.

COMMENTS ON HIS PLAY.

LONDON, April 24

Duncan, a leading professional golfer, and other contributors to the sporting press, accept J. H. Kirkwood as a first-class player. They agree that he does not carry enough clubs for English courses. The "Sunday Times" says: "He is skilful in making a solitary iron serve so many purposes, but he severely handicaps himself by the restriction." Duncan writes: —"We are all much impressed by Kirkwood's play. He is a thoughtful, painstaking golfer, with methods all his own. These are likely to undergo a change here."

Several writers tell Kirkwood to re. serve his tricks for the music halls. There, seems to be a strong dislike in this country for trick shots, which are so popular in America. It is pointed out 'that players 50 years ago drove the ball off the face of a watch, and many professionals could hit the ball into the air and catch it without moving.

"His power'to impress and please increases each time ho is seen in play," states the "Times." "His variety of strokes with a'limited set of clubs indicated the mastery he has obtained, hitting the ball how he desires. Apparently we were misled when we were informed that his driving was weak. He hits a good running ball delightfully well, with a controlled swing, and has a fine command of flight. This should serve him well at St Andrews. His pitch and run shots are played with great accuracy, and his short run up shots are played with a great deal of underspin, and are wonderfully certain."