GOLF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11200, 21 October 1899, Page 7

GOLF.

There will bo no match on the Green Lane links this afternoon, but in all probability the regular field day will be arranged for the 9th November. It is proposed on that date to havo a driving and approaching competition, and perhaps a caddies match in > the morning, and during the afternoon mixed foursomes will be played. This was the programme for last 9th November, and a very enjoyable day resulted. Mr J. Harrold has again won the Wanganui Club's championship, defeating Mr. Saunders in the final by 5 up and 4 to play. Horace Hutchinson, describing a, gol£ course says:-" At present the links are too short.' They might be much'bettered in the laying out. It may be said that there is no good attempting to lay out a first-class course when so few of the golfers are even thirdclass; but, on the other hand, one cannot expect to attract a better kind of golfer unless the course be laid out for the best. In tlie long tun, it never pays to cater for incapacity; it is no real kindness even to the in'likan unwritten law professionals were always supposed to play in trousers and amateur? in knickerbocker: m Old Country golf, Vardon having adopted tho. nickerbocker, a number of leading professionals have folloyed suit, and - many British and Scotch amateurs are now wearing, trousers.

Hairy Vardon, of Ganton, the open champion of 1896, 1898, and the present year, and J. H. Taylor, of Mid-Surrey, the champion of 1894 and 1895, met in the final heat of 36 holes of the Portmaraock Club's professional tournament, on Saturday (says the London Daily Mail of reoent issue). Virion showed wonderful form, and outplayed Taylor at all points of the game. The latter only won one hole in the match, viz., the third in the afternoon, when his opponent went into the bunker. Proceedings commenced with a half, but Vardon won the second hole, divided the third, pocketed the next four, and halved the eighth and ninth, thus turning for home with a lead of five. The 10th and 11th were halved, but Vardon took the 12th, divided the next three, and secured the last three. He was thus nine up at the end of the first round.

The first hole in the afternoon was halved, then each won a hole in turn. Vardon, however, soon finished off the match; for, putting in four wins in succession, he was 13 up with 11 to play. He was awarded first prize of £30, Taylor seouring £20. Vardon's second round score of 69 was the sensation of the meeting. The previous record for the course was the 70 which he accomplished on the previous day. Willie Park, jun., of North Berwick, and Alexander Herd, of Huddersfield, played off for third and fourth prizes, valuo £15 and £10 respectively, and halved an exciting match. They divided the money without further play.