GOLF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12272, 16 May 1903, Page 7

GOLF.

The first 18 holes for the George cup will be played this afternoon and the second 18 Holes next Saturday. The match is determined by the lowest aggregate net score for 36 holes, medal play. The following is the draw foi to-day's play : W. Bruce and H. Horton, W. Heather and Pollen, 11. Horton and the Rev. Tisdall, Anderson and Mail*. Payton and Lewis. Ferguson and Hooper, Arnold and .Burns. Colbeck and Gilfillan, Rutherford and Hall, Turner and Coates, W.'E. Bruce and another. A largo field of 37 players competed in last Saturday's bogey match for the Fry trophy, and tho result was a tio between H. T. Gillies and W. B. Colbeck. These players will play off the tie. Mr. A. Hanna has given prizes for competition on the following terms:—Match play, 18 holes, under handicap. Players will be divided into two classes, viz., those, having handicaps of under 12 and those with handicaps of 12 or over. A fortnight will be allowed players for completion of each round. Entries close next Saturday at five p.m. at the clubhouse, when the draw will take place. This match should provide a great amount of interest, as there is no match of a similar character on the programme. Local golfers will be pleased to hear of the success of an ex-member of the Auckland Golf Club in Mr. A. E. D'Arcy, who recently won tho Cadogan Cup at 'the Botany links, Sydney (91—15 equals 76). Mr. C. T. Metcalfe finished second (89—10 equals 79). It appears that the goTring trip to America of the Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society has fallen through. The absurd amateur rule of America is tho real reason. It would cost £100 or more. It is easy to get 10 good men to go who have the money, but it is, of course, impossible to get the 10 best men to go, as it frequently happens tho best golfer is not the richest. If the amateur question was tho same as in cricket tho matter would be easy to arrange. A new method of counting, called eclectic competitions, is having a great vogue in the Old Country at present. Two rounds are played, and the best score at each hole is taken. The only difficulty is in the handicapping, and it is thought that this could easily be got over. Of course, it is not true golf—championships can never be decided in this way; but it is good fun, and it removes the strain of ordinary medal play. Another good point about it is that it promotes a much freer game—one can afford to take risks. Tho method might be worth a trial here, even if it is only for a change. J. H. Taylor has a very high opinion of American players. Golf has certainly caught on wonderfully in that country, and there is no doubt that the game is peculiarly fitted to the character of its people. It is no uncommon sight, says Taylor, to see an American golfer practising the same stroke over and over again for hours. Taylor thinks that this is the proper way to learn the game. Evidently the American ladies can give colonial players of the fair sex points in driving, as Miss Margaret Curtis, winner ol the driving championship, is credited with 193 yards. J. H. Taylo 4 has some valuable hints to give on driving in an articlo "The Drive: I Tho One Thing Necessary." He admits, ! however, that it is an unimportant part of ' the game. He says that one half of the ■ foozles and mis-hits made are due to taking I the eye off, and the other half come from undue pressing. Those two errors, then, ! must be strictly guarded against. Also, • notice the tallowing:—l. The upward swing is the important part; it should he done • entirely with the left hand. 2. Keep right 1 elbow 'into side. 3. On no account pass the horizontal. *. Knees should be bent and muscles of leg relaxed. 5. The backbone should be stiffened rigid. 6. The arms should bo thrown after the ball. 7. The right shoulder brought forward. Success in driving is comprehended in the three words —free, eyen, ewingy,