THE WALKER CUP

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 114, 17 May 1938, Page 10

THE WALKER CUP

AMERICA VERY CONFIDENT ODDS IN NEW YORK 1000 TO ONE It is said in New York that the odds on the American amateur golf team retaining the Walker Cup are 1000 to 1, and that the match, which is to take place at St. Andrews at the beginning of June, is only a preliminary event previous to an American player carrying off the British championship. Well, America have triumphed in all the cup matches of the past, and they are perhaps entitled to anticipate aonther success, writes a London correspondent. But preparations are being made with more thoroughness than the British authorities , have previously shown. Some time ago sixteen players were warned to be ready to take part in trials over the old course at St. Andrews. Now nine more have been added to the list, and, from the 25, eight and two reserves will be chosen to oppose the Americans.

The selection has been on much wider lines than hitherto, and it is significant that only four of those who took part in the last match, Hector Thomson, Gordon Peters, Harry BentIcy and John Langley, have been included. More notable still is the stifling of the criticism never really justified that, only a golfer of social position could hope to secure a place in the side. Among the candidates. is Andrew Dowie, who keeps a small shop at St. Andrews. James Fitzsimmons, the steward of the Royal Portrush club, and Charles Stowe, a colliery worker. Dowie is almost unknown outside St. Andrews, bat he is one of the best players in the city, and he has won the local champ’onsh.ip in the last three seasons. Fitzsimmons ga.ncd the Irish open championship last year, and Stowe has won distinction in English golf. Most of the nominees are young players, and the boldness of the selectors in calling on them to undergo a trial has given satisfaction. Two days are to be devoted to the test. On the first three-ball games will be played, and, on the second, singles and foursomes, and, with the selectors looking on, the men will be judged not so much by the results as by their standard of play. It is to be hoped that, as soon afterwards as possible, the team will definitely be picked, and that those chosen will npt only practise, Put ensure that they are physically fit. The importance of fitness has already been stressed. Indeed, the professionals now realise the need to train with the thoroughness of the athlete. Alfred Perry, who has just won a £SOO prize in the £2OOO tournament, neither smoked nor drank alcohol for six weeks before the event.