CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17574, 13 September 1920, Page 6

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF.

DOMINION TOURNAMENT.

COMMENCEMENT TO-DAY.

PROSPECTS OF PLAYERS. [** TErieiU3PH.r-ow» coRntsroNDBNT.

HAMILTON, Sunday.

The New Zealand golf championships, which open here to-morrow, promise to berths most interesting ever held in New Zealand. Much needed rain fell on Friday and Saturday, which hsjs greatly improved the course. The fairways and greens are in splendid order. "** ,

The practice play has been excellent, and four players have touched the record. Kirkwood, Hes, and MacEwen, the professionals, and H. B. Lusk, of Auckland, have each completed a round in 72. Douglas, the present open champion, has •returned three 73's, and his average in practice worked out at 75. Kirkwood's play has been closely followed by large galleries, and he is favourite fdi the event. He is playing so consistently that he must be very hard to beat. Douglas has the experience, and is playing better now than, he has ever played. All the professionals are playing well, and a Burprise may come from Brooks, of the Hutt Club.

Among the amateurs, S. Morpeth and Dr. Boas are playing sound golf, and have good prospects in the amateur championship. The course is in such great order that low scoring is to be expected, but the player who returns a total of 300 will probably win the open event. Given norTnal conditions scores oftJO are expected to be returned by Kirk wood or Douglas. On Thursday the programme will be altered, and two rounds of tee professional and amateur championships will be played. This leaves Friday clear for a match between the Australian and New Zealand professionals. Kirkwood and East will represent Australia, and the two New Zealand professionals, who finish highest in the open championship, will play for New Zealand. This is sure to be a match between Kirkwood and Douglas. The draw for the professional championship is as follows : —lsles a bye, Douglas plays Martin, Moss plays Kirkwood, Hood plays Clements, Brooks plays MacEwan, Blair plays East, Lock plays McCormack, Butters a bye.